US Water Score: A
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead |
3.1
|
15 ppb | 1 ppb | Warning |
UCMR5 occurrence results are screening information, not a finding of regulatory compliance or noncompliance. PFAS rules and compliance dates are evolving.
| Compound | Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA | 8.9 ppt | 4 ppt | 4 ppt | Above comparison value |
| PFOS | 6.3 ppt | 4 ppt | 4 ppt | Above comparison value |
| PFPeA | 6.2 ppt | No standard | — | No federal MCL shown |
| GenX (HFPO-DA) | 6.0 ppt | 10 ppt | 10 ppt | Below comparison value |
| PFHxA | 4.3 ppt | No standard | 400 ppt | No federal MCL shown |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Salem, Virginia (24153) receives an overall grade of A (Lower record-based concern) with a score of 88 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is roughly in line with the Virginia state average of 88. Compared to the national average (75), this area performs significantly better. The area is served by 5 water systems providing water to approximately 182,700 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. Notably, 2 PFAS compounds exceed the EPA final MCL value used for comparison — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals.
A score of 88/100 means public water-system records for Salem, VA show relatively few concerns in the US Water Score model. This is an internal score, not an EPA safety rating, and it does not guarantee conditions at any specific tap.
Health Information
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.
If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.
Common Questions
Based on public water-system records, Salem, Virginia receives an internal US Water Score grade of A (Lower record-based concern) with a score of 88/100. This indicates relatively few system-level concerns in our model, but it is not an EPA safety rating and does not guarantee tap conditions inside individual homes.
ZIP code 24153 is served by 5 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 182,700 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.
Lead was reported at 3.1 ppb in public-system records for Salem, Virginia. This is below the currently applicable EPA action level of 15 ppb, but may be above more protective health guidance; EPA's future LCRI action level is 10 ppb. Household plumbing can materially change tap-level exposure, so consider certified filtration and individual tap testing, especially where children are present.
Yes — 5 PFAS compounds were detected in records associated with water serving Salem, Virginia, and 2 results exceeded the numerical EPA MCL value used for comparison. UCMR5 occurrence results alone are not a regulatory compliance determination. PFAS rules and compliance timelines are evolving; verify current information with the utility and EPA.
Water systems serving Salem, Virginia have received 8 violations in the last 5 years. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.
Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS), residents in Salem, Virginia should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.
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