Terra Alta, WV: 2 Health Violations — 68/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Compliance figures for Terra Alta indicate average water quality in WV overall — some service areas have recorded health-based violations in recent monitoring cycles, while others operate cleanly, making system-level data the most actionable reference point for residents.
How Terra Alta Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Terra Alta Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 36 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0031 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 60% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,700 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.97 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Terra Alta
At present, 2 utilities serve the bulk of Terra Alta, WV's residential water connections out of 2 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Terra Alta, West Virginia, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 4,349 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Terra Alta: C (68/100)
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
Terra Alta water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0031 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 16 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 14 | 1 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 12 | 1 |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 6 | 1 |
| E. coli | Microbiological | 6 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26764 | C | 36 | 2 | Terra Alta Water Works |
All ZIP Codes in Terra Alta
- 26764 [C] — 36 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.
Health Outcomes in Terra Alta
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
Top Contaminants in Terra Alta Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Terra Alta
With 60% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Terra Alta's housing stock carries a median build year of 1972. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Terra Alta 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 Terra Alta Homeowners
What does the elevated remediation share mean for Terra Alta homeowners financially? A serious commitment — one that calls for structured planning rather than an ad-hoc response.
At 2.0% of home value, remediation costs in Terra Alta represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,750–$3,900. Home values here are 0% above the West Virginia average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Terra Alta
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.
When older housing represents 60% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Terra Alta address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Terra Alta
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Terra Alta falls in moderate-exposure territory — 4 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Terra Alta has a moderate flood history with 4 FEMA claims averaging $2,939 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>$2,700</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 Terra Alta
- 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. Filters rated for Fecal Coliform can reduce the most common contaminant found in Terra Alta's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 60% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Terra Alta, WV