Is Appomattox, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.4/100
waterverge.com Appomattox, VA — Water Quality Report
Appomattox's drinking water received a grade of A (92.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,761 residents using purchased 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 16 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Appomattox's water
Appomattox ranks #38 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it above 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.
Haloacetic acid (HAA5) levels were elevated at 31.3 µg/L in UCMR 4 testing, though below the 60 µg/L EPA limit. Activated carbon filtration can help reduce these disinfection byproducts.
As a small community water system, Appomattox may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Appomattox, VA water safe to drink?
Appomattox's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,761 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Appomattox
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Appomattox's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4411). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: TTHM, Arsenic, Barium.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Appomattox's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Appomattox's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Appomattox 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.
Where does Appomattox's water come from?
Appomattox's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,761 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Appomattox 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.
Appomattox'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
D3 — extreme droughtAppomattox 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
Appomattox 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Appomattox compares by contaminant
Explore where Appomattox ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Appomattox's water comes from
Appomattox'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 1,761 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Appomattox
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| APPOMATTOX WATER SYSTEM | VA5011050 | 1,761 | SWP |
How Appomattox compares
Full Virginia rankings →Appomattox's score of 92.4/100 is above the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Appomattox, VA
Wikipedia →Appomattox is a town in Appomattox County, Virginia, United States. As of the 2020 census, Appomattox had a population of 1,919. It is the county seat of Appomattox County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Appomattox's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Appomattox
Frequently asked questions
Is Appomattox, VA tap water safe to drink?
Appomattox's water quality earned a grade of A (92.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #38 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Appomattox's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Appomattox'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 Appomattox?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Appomattox's water come from?
Appomattox's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,761 residents.
What health violations has Appomattox's water system had?
Appomattox has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Appomattox's water compare to other cities?
Appomattox ranks #38 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 83% of state cities) and #1255 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Appomattox's small water system affect quality?
Appomattox's system serves approximately 1,761 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 16 violations on record.