Is Appalachia, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
94.3/100
waterverge.com Appalachia, VA — Water Quality Report
Appalachia's drinking water received a grade of A (94.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,745 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 27 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Appalachia's water
Appalachia ranks #22 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it one of the best 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, Appalachia may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Appalachia, VA water safe to drink?
Appalachia's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (94.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,745 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Appalachia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Appalachia's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.3/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Appalachia's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Appalachia's water system has 27 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Wise County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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 Powell River.
Where does Appalachia's water come from?
Appalachia's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,745 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Powell River (river).
What Appalachia 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.
Appalachia'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtWise County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Wise County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Appalachia compares by contaminant
Explore where Appalachia ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Appalachia's water comes from
Appalachia'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 2,745 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Appalachia
Appalachia is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Appalachia
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| APPALACHIA, TOWN OF | VA1195050 | 2,745 | SW |
How Appalachia compares
Full Virginia rankings →Appalachia's score of 94.3/100 is above the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Appalachia, VA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Appalachia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wise
Frequently asked questions
Is Appalachia, VA tap water safe to drink?
Appalachia's water quality earned a grade of A (94.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #22 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Appalachia's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 27 violations are on record.
How is Appalachia'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 Appalachia?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Appalachia's water come from?
Appalachia's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,745 residents.
What health violations has Appalachia's water system had?
Appalachia has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2014. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Appalachia's water compare to other cities?
Appalachia ranks #22 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 90% of state cities) and #533 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Appalachia's small water system affect quality?
Appalachia's system serves approximately 2,745 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 27 violations on record.