Hico, WV Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Hico, WV: water systems collectively below average — violations documented.
How Hico Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Hico Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 77% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 17.36 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Hico
Federal drinking water records identify 2 systems in Hico, WV. The leading 2 providers serve the largest share of residential connections, each operating as a separate entity with its own rate authority, infrastructure management, and EPA compliance obligations — so service conditions are not uniform city-wide.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Hico, West Virginia (population ~570), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 31,709 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Hico — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Hico: 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
Hico water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Hico
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25854 | D | WVAWC NEW RIVER REGIONAL WTR TRTMT PLT | 25,603 |
All ZIP Codes in Hico
- 25854 [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.
CDC Health Data for Hico
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
How Old Is Hico's Housing Stock?
With 77% 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
What does a median build year of 1975 mean for water safety in Hico? It means the majority of the city's residential plumbing was installed before 1986, when lead solder was federally banned, and a large share may predate 1970, when lead pipes were commonly used — making plumbing age a central variable in household-level lead risk across much of the city.
Over half of homes in Hico 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.
Hico: Remediation Cost in Perspective
When estimated remediation is placed alongside median property values in Hico, the resulting ratio is low — a finding consistent with a household financial perspective where documented issues can be addressed without a meaningful impact on overall equity position, making this market one of the more favorable contexts for remediation planning.
Remediation costs in Hico are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 33% above the West Virginia average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Hico
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.
77% of Hico housing dates to the pre-rule era, alongside aggregate readings hovering at the federal action mark — household-level confirmation through a draw-test kit fits the local picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Hico
- 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 77% 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 Hico, WV