Summers County, West Virginia
8 ZIP codes · Avg score 49/100 · Grade D · Updated 2026-06-03
The latest EPA cycle for Summers County covers 8 ZIP codes and shows a low safety grade — systemic compliance gaps have persisted over multiple reporting periods, and the county has not moved out of the bottom tier in recent years.
How Summers County Compares
How Summers County Compares
Summers County scores 15 points below the West Virginia state average (64/100) and 19 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Summers County, West Virginia
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 18.4 (asthma 13%, diabetes 19.4%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,629, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.455% avg pipe failure probability, 25% of ZIPs at high risk
66% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
Violation History (2023–2025)
→ Stable trendEPA violation counts by year across Summers County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.
Peak year: 2025 with 15 violations. Past 5 years: 21 total (21 health-based).
Source: EPA SDWIS historical violations. Data may lag 6–12 months for the most recent year.
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,629
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
4,800 housing units in Summers County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Summers County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Summers County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Summers County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 3 systems in Summers County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BIG BEND PSD | 1,350 | 9 |
| 2 | Wvawc Bluestone Plant | 20,562 | 0 |
| 3 | Cool Ridge Flat Top Public Service District | 4,190 | 0 |
All ZIP Codes in Summers County
8 ZIP codes tracked in Summers County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 25951 | Hinton | 60 | C | 0 | $118K |
| 2 | 24985 | Wayside | 53 | D | 0 | $200K |
| 3 | 25966 | Green Sulphur Springs | 53 | D | 0 | $161K |
| 4 | 25985 | Sandstone | 53 | D | 0 | $110K |
| 5 | 24935 | Forest Hill | 45 | D | 0 | — |
| 6 | 24962 | Pence Springs | 45 | D | 0 | — |
| 7 | 24981 | Talcott | 44 | D | 9 (4 health) | $47K |
| 8 | 25978 | Nimitz | 40 | D | 0 | $166K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Summers County
Editorial-only picks, screened against the EPA detections on file.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 66% of homes built before 1978
- Best Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Systems — Multi-contaminant removal at the kitchen tap
- Best Radon Test Kits — EPA Radon Zone 1 (highest risk) dominant in county
- Best Sump Pumps — Flood is the top compound risk factor
- Best Mold Test Kits — Flood-driven moisture and mold risk
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Summers County, West Virginia
Overview
Summers County in West Virginia covers 8 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of D (49/100).
1 of 8 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 4 health-based violations have been documented.
← Back to West Virginia water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.
What You Can Do
Summers County has a grade of D. Here are steps to protect your household.
Test your tap water
Order a certified lab test kit ($20-$50) to check for lead, bacteria, and other contaminants specific to your ZIP code.
Consider a certified water filter
NSF-certified filters can remove most common contaminants. Match the filter to your test results for best protection. Try our filter matcher
Contact your water utility
Request the latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your water provider. It details exactly what was found in your water supply.
Check for lead in your home
66% of homes in this county were built before 1978. Older plumbing and solder can leach lead into drinking water, especially in the morning.