Flat Top, WV: 6 Health Violations — 23/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Flat Top, WV water systems: poor compliance record, lower-tier safety grade.
How Flat Top Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Flat Top Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 8 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0141 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 41% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 17.11 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Flat Top
Throughout Flat Top, WV, water comes from one of 2 primary utilities out of 2 total systems — independent providers with different rate structures, infrastructure, and compliance records that vary across the service territory.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Flat Top, West Virginia (population ~555), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 20,762 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 6 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Flat Top: F (23/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Flat Top water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0141 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 12 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25841 | F | 8 | 6 | Wvawc Bluestone Plant |
All ZIP Codes in Flat Top
- 25841 [F] — 8 violations ⚠
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Flat Top
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Top Contaminants in Flat Top Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Flat Top
With 41% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Lead solder was a standard plumbing material before 1986, when federal law prohibited its use in new residential construction. In Flat Top, the median build year of 1981 indicates that plumbing age is a material factor in local lead risk — with the pre-1986 share concentrated in specific neighborhoods and building types where older construction remains common.
Most homes in Flat Top were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Flat Top Homeowners
Because estimated remediation claims a substantial fraction of typical Flat Top property equity, the household financial perspective here requires serious advance planning — the cost-to-value ratio is in the elevated tier and warrants structured preparation.
At 2.5% of home value, remediation costs in Flat Top represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $2,300–$5,500. Home values here are 10% above the West Virginia average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Flat Top
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 41% of Flat Top homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Flat Top
The NFIP claim record for Flat Top — 1 filed incident — reflects genuine, recurring flood exposure rather than an isolated event or two. When a community accumulates flood claims at this volume and carries 100% of its ZIP codes inside FEMA-designated zones, flood history starts to factor into water quality planning in ways it doesn't for lower-exposure areas. Flooding introduces specific contamination pathways — runoff overwhelming treatment facility intake, surface water infiltrating private wells, and pressure disruptions in distribution systems allowing backflow — all of which become more relevant as flood frequency increases.
Flat Top has a moderate flood history with 1 FEMA claims. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$3,600</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Flat Top
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) can reduce the most common contaminant found in Flat Top's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 41% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Flat Top, WV