ZIP Code 24179 Water Quality & Testing Report
Vinton, VA · Roanoke County County · Updated for 2026
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 24179 (Vinton, VA)?
Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 24179 (Vinton, VA) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of F (35/100) due to 0 health violation(s) and 31.0 ppb lead. While treated by Western Virginia Water Authority, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.
Water Safety Grade
Failing — Serious compliance issues
Health Violations
0
Total Violations
1
Lead Risk
High
Contaminants
0
Active Water Quality Issues Detected
EPA records show 0 unresolved violation. Contact Western Virginia Water Authority for current status.
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 24179
Tap water in ZIP code 24179 (Vinton, VA) is distributed by Western Virginia Water Authority (EPA ID: VA2770900), serving approximately 182,700 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of F with a composite quality score of 35/100.
Water System
Western Virginia Water Authority
EPA ID: VA2770900
Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
182,700 residents
County
Roanoke County County, Virginia
Lead Levels in ZIP 24179
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 31.0 ppb — EXCEEDS EPA Action Level
Lead exposure risk in 24179 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 65% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure
Water Hardness & Mineral Content
Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)
Water in ZIP 24179 is Moderately Hard (62 mg/L / 3.6 GPG). It contains beneficial natural minerals like calcium and magnesium without causing heavy scale accumulation.
Grains per gallon
Parts per million CaCO3
Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry
Utility: Western Virginia Water Authority · PWSID: VA2770900
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
Western Virginia Water Authority has recorded 1 violation, but none are health-based (e.g., administrative or monitoring infractions).
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Moderate based on past reporting and enforcement records.
Contaminants Detected
Contaminants with health-based violations on record
No health-based contaminant violations are on record for ZIP code 24179 under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
⚖ Enforcement Actions
Water Source & Environmental Factors
Surface Water
This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.
Highest potential
Estimated annual flood-related costs per property
% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure
EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.
Water Quality Testing in ZIP 24179
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 24179 served by Western Virginia Water Authority can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.
Tap Water Testing Steps
- 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
- 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
- 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.
Private Well Testing Steps
- •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
- •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
- •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by Virginia Department of Health.
🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 24179 Recommendations
Serious water quality concerns — action recommended
- 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
- 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
- 🚨 Contact Western Virginia Water Authority to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
- 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
- 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab
Recommended Water Treatment Systems:
NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter
Certified to remove lead. Recommended for immediate protection.
NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System
Reverse Osmosis system certified to remove PFAS, heavy metals, and viruses.
Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 24179 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 24179?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 24179 (Vinton, VA)?+
How hard is the tap water in 24179?+
Should I test private well water in 24179?+
What is the lead level in 24179 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 24179?+
Who provides tap water to 24179?+
What water filter should I use in 24179?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 24179 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Western Virginia Water Authority. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →