Pennsboro, WV: 1 Health Violation — 77/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to statewide averages in WV, Pennsboro scores well — health violations are below the norm and systems generally operate within federal standards.
How Pennsboro Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Pennsboro Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 18 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0005 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 74% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,500 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 18.16 — above typical levels.
Pennsboro's Water Providers
Multiple utilities divide Pennsboro, WV's water service — 3 leading providers among 4 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Pennsboro, West Virginia (population ~3,450), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 5,962 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Pennsboro: B (77/100)
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
Pennsboro water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0005 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 1 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 6 | 1 |
| E. coli | Microbiological | 6 | 1 |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 4 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26415 | B | 18 | 1 | Pennsboro |
All ZIP Codes in Pennsboro
- 26415 [B] — 18 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.
Pennsboro 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
What's in Pennsboro's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Pennsboro Infrastructure Age
With 74% 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
The median home in Pennsboro was built in 1978 — a figure that places most of the city's residential stock in the era when lead solder was still standard in copper plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered joints; those built before 1970 face the additional possibility of lead pipes in the service line itself.
Over half of homes in Pennsboro 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 Pennsboro
At current Pennsboro valuations, the remediation share sits in the elevated tier — a level where deliberate financial planning becomes a practical prerequisite rather than a convenience for most homeowners.
At 2.4% of home value, remediation costs in Pennsboro represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,350–$4,000. Home values here are 21% below the West Virginia average.
Pennsboro: 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.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 74% of Pennsboro 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.
Pennsboro: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
100% of ZIP codes in Pennsboro are mapped into FEMA-designated flood zones, and the NFIP records 31 claims reflecting a multi-event flood history. That combination places local flood exposure in the range where water-quality implications deserve at least periodic attention.
Pennsboro has a moderate flood history with 31 FEMA claims averaging $8,540 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>$2,500</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Pennsboro, WV