Is Bremo Bluff, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.4/100
waterverge.com Bremo Bluff, VA — Water Quality Report
Bremo Bluff's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,175 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.2 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 25 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bremo Bluff's water
Bremo Bluff ranks #135 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Bremo Bluff relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Bremo Bluff may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 13 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bremo Bluff, VA water safe to drink?
Bremo Bluff's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,175 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bremo Bluff
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bremo Bluff's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.4/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule, TTHM.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bremo Bluff's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bremo Bluff's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved. 13 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fluvanna County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1985. 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 Slate River, Rivanna River.
Where does Bremo Bluff's water come from?
Bremo Bluff's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,175 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Slate River (river), Rivanna River (river).
What Bremo Bluff residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bremo Bluff'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.
Bremo Bluff'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 droughtFluvanna 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
Fluvanna County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1985. 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. | 0.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bremo Bluff compares by contaminant
Explore where Bremo Bluff ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bremo Bluff's water comes from
Bremo Bluff's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,175 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Bremo Bluff
Bremo Bluff is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bremo Bluff
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FORK UNION SANITARY DISTRICT | VA2065300 | 2,150 | GW |
| FLUVANNA COUNTY ZION CROSSROADS | VA2065265 | 25 | SWP |
How Bremo Bluff compares
Full Virginia rankings →Bremo Bluff's score of 82.4/100 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 Bremo Bluff, VA
Wikipedia →Bremo Bluff is an unincorporated community located on the northern bank of the James River in Fluvanna County, Virginia, United States. The locale was established by the Cocke family in 1636. During the American Civil War, the family of General Robert E. Lee sought refuge in the community. It is home to Bremo Power Station, which, at one point, generated 3 percent of the total electricity delivered by utility company Dominion Energy.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bremo Bluff's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fluvanna
Frequently asked questions
Is Bremo Bluff, VA tap water safe to drink?
Bremo Bluff's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #135 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Bremo Bluff's water?
Lead was measured at 0.2 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Bremo Bluff'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 Bremo Bluff?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bremo Bluff's water come from?
Bremo Bluff's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,175 residents.
What health violations has Bremo Bluff's water system had?
Bremo Bluff has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bremo Bluff's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bremo Bluff uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 25 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Bremo Bluff's water compare to other cities?
Bremo Bluff ranks #135 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 41% of state cities) and #6989 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.