Lerona, WV: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Systems across Lerona show elevated violation counts against WV benchmarks — the low safety grade reflects that ongoing compliance pattern.
How Lerona Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Lerona Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 43% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 17.11 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Lerona
Residential water service in Lerona, WV is divided among 2 separate utilities, drawn from 2 systems on file with federal regulators.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Lerona, West Virginia (population ~1,487), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 26,195 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Lerona — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Lerona: D (40/100)
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
Lerona water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Lerona
- 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25971 | D | ATHENS TOWN OF | 5,633 |
All ZIP Codes in Lerona
- 25971 [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 Lerona
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 Lerona's Housing Stock?
With 43% 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 data for Lerona, with a median build year of 1980, reveals a community where neither old nor new construction dominates. That balanced profile means lead-solder-era plumbing is present throughout a meaningful portion of the residential inventory — with risk concentrated in properties built before 1986 and most acute in those that predate 1970.
Most homes in Lerona 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.
Lerona: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Low proportionality — that's the Lerona picture when remediation costs are placed against typical home equity.
Remediation costs in Lerona are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 8% above the West Virginia average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Lerona
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.
Although utility-side compliance with federal Lead and Copper requirements remains the system reference, that compliance does not extend down into interior plumbing. With 43% of Lerona stock built before the solder ban and aggregate readings at or beyond the action mark, a household-level sample becomes the practical way to close that information gap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Lerona
- 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 43% 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 Lerona, WV