Is Amherst, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.5/100
waterverge.com Amherst, VA — Water Quality Report
Amherst's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,231 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 60 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Amherst's water
Amherst ranks #139 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Amherst may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Amherst, VA water safe to drink?
Amherst's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (81.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,231 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Amherst
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Amherst's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.5/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3359). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Amherst's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Amherst's water system has 60 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Amherst County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Harris Creek Below Route 130, Tye River, Piney River.
Where does Amherst's water come from?
Amherst's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,231 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Harris Creek Below Route 130 (river), Tye River (river), Piney River (river).
What Amherst residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Amherst's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Amherst
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Amherst, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,353 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GREIF PACKAGING LLC AMHERST, VA24521 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 2,333 | 9.2 mi |
COOPER STEEL OF VIRGINIA MONROE, VA24574 | Manganese | 20 | 6.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Amherst
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- U S TITANIUM8.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtAmherst County is currently in D3 (extreme drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Amherst County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Amherst compares by contaminant
Explore where Amherst ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Amherst's water comes from
Amherst's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,231 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Amherst
Amherst is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Amherst
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AMHERST, TOWN OF | VA5009050 | 2,231 | SW |
How Amherst compares
Full Virginia rankings →Amherst's score of 81.5/100 is on par with the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Amherst, VA
Wikipedia →Amherst is a town in Amherst County, Virginia, United States. As of the 2020 census, Amherst had a population of 2,110. It is the county seat of Amherst County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Amherst's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Amherst
Frequently asked questions
Is Amherst, VA tap water safe to drink?
Amherst's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #139 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Amherst's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 60 violations are on record.
How is Amherst's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Amherst?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Amherst's water come from?
Amherst's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,231 residents.
What health violations has Amherst's water system had?
Amherst has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Amherst's water compare to other cities?
Amherst ranks #139 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 40% of state cities) and #7448 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Amherst's small water system affect quality?
Amherst's system serves approximately 2,231 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 60 violations on record.