Kincaid, WV Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike higher-rated cities in WV, Kincaid carries a fair number of documented violations — the pattern of compliance gaps keeps the city in the middle tier of EPA safety rankings.
How Kincaid Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Kincaid Water
- Homes built before 1986: 96% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 17.36 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Kincaid
For most households in Kincaid, WV, tap water comes from one provider — the utility that controls the local distribution system out of 1 tracked in federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Kincaid, West Virginia (population ~424), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 25,603 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Kincaid — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Kincaid: C (63/100)
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
Kincaid water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Kincaid
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25119 | C | WVAWC NEW RIVER REGIONAL WTR TRTMT PLT | 25,603 |
All ZIP Codes in Kincaid
- 25119 [C]
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 Kincaid
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Kincaid
With 96% 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
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Kincaid is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1946 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Kincaid 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Kincaid Homeowners
Within the Kincaid market, documented remediation claims a significant slice of typical equity — the financial weight here is material.
At 3.0% of home value, remediation costs in Kincaid represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $800–$2,600. Home values here are 60% below the West Virginia average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Kincaid
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 96% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Kincaid.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Kincaid
Flood exposure in Kincaid is meaningful by NFIP measures — 5 claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
Kincaid has a moderate flood history with 5 FEMA claims averaging $15,754 per payout. 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>$1,600</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 Kincaid
- 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 96% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Kincaid, WV