Virginia Tap Water Quality Rankings 2026: 16th in Nation | WaterQ
Virginia ranks 16th out of the 50 states for drinking water quality, receiving an overall grade of B with an average score of 87. Across its 343 water systems serving a population of 7,421,209, state water quality is generally reliable but faces localized challenges as evidenced by 10,314 reported violations. This assessment reflects Virginia's varied Mid-Atlantic geography, spanning coastal plains and Appalachian foothills, as well as areas of dense population growth.
Key Findings for Virginia
Reviewing EPA SDWIS data for 2026, here's what defines Virginia's water quality landscape:
- Water systems in the dense DC-suburb growth corridors frequently face challenges related to aging municipal infrastructure and the potential for lead exposure in older housing stock.
- In Virginia's coastal plain and rural agricultural areas, runoff can transport nitrates and other agricultural chemicals into shallow groundwater wells.
- The complex geology of the Appalachian foothills can lead to naturally occurring mineral contaminants, including dissolved metals, affecting localized water supplies.
Most Common Contaminants in Virginia
Here's what Virginia residents should know about the contaminants most relevant to their water:
Lead
Lead can leach into drinking water from corroding plumbing fixtures, solder, or service lines, particularly in older residential neighborhoods and urban centers.
Nitrate
Commonly originating from agricultural fertilizer runoff and septic systems, elevated nitrate levels can migrate into groundwater, particularly in rural farming communities.
Disinfection Byproducts
Formed when chemical disinfectants like chlorine react with naturally occurring organic matter in surface water sources, these byproducts are a common compliance challenge for municipal systems.
Virginia's Best and Worst Cities for Water Quality
Water quality can vary significantly from city to city and water system to water system across Virginia. Residents are encouraged to view the detailed city-by-city breakdown on our state page to check local testing records and system-specific violations. Explore the full breakdown on our Virginia water systems page.
What Virginia Residents Should Do
Given Virginia's 16th place ranking, here's what matters most for residents:
- Look up the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) provided by your local water utility to review testing data.
- If your home has older plumbing or service lines, have your tap water tested specifically for lead.
- Consider using an NSF-certified water filter configured to target the specific contaminants identified in your local system.
- Private well owners should perform regular annual testing for nitrates and bacteria, as private wells are not monitored by public water systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Virginia water quality compare to other states?
Virginia ranks 16th out of the 50 states, placing it in the top third nationally. The state earned a solid grade of B with an average water quality score of 87.
What are the most common contaminants in Virginia tap water?
Common contaminants include lead from older plumbing infrastructure, agricultural nitrates in rural groundwater systems, and disinfection byproducts in treated surface water. These trace substances generally reflect the state's agricultural activity, geological variety, and urban development patterns.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Virginia?
With a grade of B and an average score of 87, Virginia's public tap water is generally safe and reliable for most residents. However, because water quality can vary by local system and individual building plumbing, it is advisable to check your local system's violation records.
Source: EPA SDWIS 2026 Compliance Data and WaterQ National Database. For more information on our ranking process, visit our state rankings page.