Is Bland, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.6/100
waterverge.com Bland, VA — Water Quality Report
Bland's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,615 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 48 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bland's water
Bland ranks #132 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, Bland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bland, VA water safe to drink?
Bland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,615 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bland's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.6/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, 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 Bland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bland's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bland County has experienced 5 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.
Where does Bland's water come from?
Bland's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,615 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Bland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bland's water.
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.
Bland'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 Bland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HITACHI ENERGY USA INC. BLAND, VA24315 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
PASCOR ATLANTIC CORP BLAND, VA24315 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
WABTEC COMPONENTS WYTHEVILLE, VA24382 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
COPERION CORP WYTHEVILLE, VA24382 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBland 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
Bland County has experienced 5 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 Bland compares by contaminant
Explore where Bland ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bland's water comes from
Bland'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 1,615 people through 3 water systems.
Water systems serving Bland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROCKY GAP/BASTIAN REGIONAL | VA1021700 | 985 | SWP |
| BLAND COMMUNITY WATER SYSTEM | VA1021043 | 490 | GU |
| HARRISONBURG MEN`S DIVERSION CENTER | VA2165165 | 140 | GW |
How Bland compares
Full Virginia rankings →Bland's score of 82.6/100 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 Bland, VA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bland
Frequently asked questions
Is Bland, VA tap water safe to drink?
Bland's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #132 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Bland's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Bland'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 Bland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bland's water come from?
Bland's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,615 residents.
What health violations has Bland's water system had?
Bland has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Bland's water compare to other cities?
Bland ranks #132 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 43% of state cities) and #6876 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.