Flatwoods, WV Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Within Flatwoods, water quality data indicates below-average safety by WV standards — independent testing is a reasonable precaution for residents whose systems show active violations.
How Flatwoods Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Flatwoods Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 72% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 18.62 — above typical levels.
Flatwoods's Water Providers
2 water systems are tracked federally in Flatwoods, WV. The top 2 providers collectively serve most residential addresses, but because they operate independently, infrastructure maintenance standards and compliance histories differ from one service zone to another.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Flatwoods, West Virginia (population ~920), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 5,470 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Flatwoods — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Flatwoods: D (53/100)
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
Flatwoods water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Flatwoods
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26621 | D | BURNSVILLE PUBLIC UTILITY | 1,126 |
All ZIP Codes in Flatwoods
- 26621 [D]
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.
Flatwoods Community Health Snapshot
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
Flatwoods Infrastructure Age
With 72% 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
Reading the housing age data for Flatwoods — median build year 1974 — the overriding implication is that the plumbing materials inside a typical home here reflect pre-1986 construction standards. In practical terms, that means lead-soldered copper joints are common across much of the housing stock. Where those materials are present, water can leach lead as it moves through joints — a pathway that corrosion control treatment under federal rules is designed to reduce, though it cannot eliminate lead risk where the plumbing materials themselves contain lead.
Over half of homes in Flatwoods were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Flatwoods
Low proportionality — that's the Flatwoods picture when remediation costs are placed against typical home equity.
Remediation costs in Flatwoods are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 16% below the West Virginia average.
Flatwoods: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 72% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Flatwoods.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Flatwoods
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 72% 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 Flatwoods, WV