WaterVerge

Is Bracey, 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 ↓

4K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: VA5117707
Overall Score
90 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#61 of 230 in Virginia Top 16% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
90/100
waterverge.com
A 90/100

Bracey, VA — Water Quality Report

Bracey's drinking water received a grade of A (90 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,475 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 6 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Bracey's water

Bracey ranks #61 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
90 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
44/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Bracey, VA water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Bracey's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,475 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

2
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Bracey

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bracey's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Fluoride.

Disaster
TROPICAL STORM MICHAEL

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4411). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE FLORENCE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4401). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bracey's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Bracey's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.

MRMCLOther
Most recent violations:
Oct 2020 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jan 2019 Fluoride Resolved
Jun 2007 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jan 2004 CARBON, TOTAL Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Mecklenburg County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.

TROPICAL STORM MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA DR-4411
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4401
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3403

Where does Bracey's water come from?

Bracey's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,475 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.

What Bracey residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Bracey'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

6
Total violations
1
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Oct 2020
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

6 Total
2 Active
1 Health-based
4 Resolved
Violations by category
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Inorganic Chemicals
1
Total Coliform Rule
1
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
1
Miscellaneous Other Rules
1
Oct 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2019 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jun 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2007
Jan 2004 Resolved
CARBON, TOTAL
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2004
Apr 1987 Resolved
Miscellaneous Other Rules
Other Violation Resolved Jun 1987
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Bracey

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bracey, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
AMERICAN BUILDINGS COMPANY-LA CROSSE
Fabricated Metals · NUCOR CORP
LA CROSSE, VA23950
8.2 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Mecklenburg 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
14.2%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

8
Declared disasters
Dec 2018
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Mecklenburg County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Dec 2018
TROPICAL STORM MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA #4411
Oct 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA #4401
Sep 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA #3403
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3359
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3240
Sep 2003
HURRICANE ISABEL
Hurricane FEMA #1491

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 6.0 ppb from 1993 (6.0 ppb) to 2024 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
4,475
Water Systems
2
Source breakdown
Surface Water
1
Purchased Surface Water
1
Water Source

Where Bracey's water comes from

Surface Water

Bracey'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 4,475 people through 2 water systems.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Bracey

System Name PWSID Population Source
ROANOKE RIVER SERVICE AUTHORITY VA5117707 3,525 SW
RIVER RIDGE VA5117700 950 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Bracey compares

Full Virginia rankings →

Bracey's score of 90/100 is on par with the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Bracey (this city)
90
Herndon
75.5
Ashburn
87
Virginia avg
85
City Profile

About Bracey, VA

Economic Profile
$71,500
Median Income
$230,837
Median Home Value
10.6%
Unemployment
Community
62.3
Median Age
42
People / sq mi
36.9%
College Educated
86.6%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Bracey, VA tap water safe to drink?

Bracey's water quality earned a grade of A (90/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #61 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.

What contaminants are in Bracey's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.

How is Bracey'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 Bracey?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Bracey's water come from?

Bracey's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,475 residents.

What health violations has Bracey's water system had?

Bracey has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

How does Bracey's water compare to other cities?

Bracey ranks #61 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 73% of state cities) and #2460 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.