Virginia Water Quality Report
Tap water quality data for 12 cities in Virginia, updated 2026.
US average: 100 ppm
10 of 12 cities violation-free
12 cities tested
12 water systems tracked
Cleanest Tap Water in Virginia
Cities with the fewest water quality issues
Virginia Beach City
461K served
Newport News City
424K served
Chesterfield Co Central
390K served
Loudoun
335K served
Richmond City
229K served
Roanoke City
183K served
Pwcsa - East
169K served
Alexandria City
159K served
Pwcsa - West
136K served
Portsmouth City
121K served
Most Water Quality Issues in Virginia
Cities with the most violations and concerns
Water Hardness Across Virginia
Not sure what your hardness means? Use our Water Hardness Calculator or find the best hardness test kits.
Virginia Tap Water: What You Need to Know
Virginia has 12 tracked water utilities serving approximately 3.1M residents. The average water hardness is 35 ppm (2 GPG), classified as Soft — below the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness ranges from 22 ppm in Pwcsa - West to 68.5 ppm in Loudoun.
In the past 3 years, 2 of 12 cities in Virginia have recorded water quality violations, totaling 15 violations (0 health-based). All 12 tested cities have lead levels below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Water
Is tap water safe to drink in Virginia?
Most tap water in Virginia meets EPA standards, but 2 cities have recorded violations in the past 3 years (0 health-based). We recommend checking your specific city's report on TapWater.org and considering a home water test.
How hard is the water in Virginia?
Virginia's average water hardness is 35 ppm (2 GPG), classified as Soft. This is below the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness varies significantly by city — use our Water Hardness Calculator to check your specific area.
Which city in Virginia has the cleanest tap water?
Based on EPA violation data, lead testing, and water quality metrics, Virginia Beach City ranks as having the cleanest tap water in Virginia. It has zero violations in the past 3 years and lead levels well below the EPA action level.
Which city in Virginia has the most water quality issues?
Chesapeake City currently has the most water quality concerns in Virginia, with 11 violations in the past 3 years. Residents should check their city's detailed water quality report and consider using a certified water filter.
Where does Virginia get its water from?
The majority of Virginia's water systems (92%) use surface water as their primary source. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Each city's specific source can vary — check individual city reports for details.
All 12 Cities
Sorted by population served
Virginia Beach City
Utility serves 461K
Newport News City
Utility serves 424K
Chesterfield Co Central
Utility serves 390K
Loudoun
Utility serves 335K
Norfolk City
Utility serves 291K
Richmond City
Utility serves 229K
Chesapeake City
Utility serves 201K
Roanoke City
Utility serves 183K
Pwcsa - East
Utility serves 169K
Alexandria City
Utility serves 159K
Pwcsa - West
Utility serves 136K
Portsmouth City
Utility serves 121K