Is Brookneal, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.3/100
waterverge.com Brookneal, VA — Water Quality Report
Brookneal's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 54 violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Brookneal's water
Brookneal ranks #118 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, Brookneal may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Brookneal, VA water safe to drink?
Brookneal's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Brookneal
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Brookneal's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.3/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
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 Brookneal's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Brookneal's water system has 54 total violations on record, including 24 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Campbell 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 Roanoke (Staunton) River, Falling River.
Where does Brookneal's water come from?
Brookneal's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Roanoke (Staunton) River (river), Falling River (river).
What Brookneal residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Brookneal'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.
Brookneal'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 Brookneal
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Brookneal, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GEORGIA-PACIFIC WOOD PRODUCTS LLC - BROOKNEAL OSB GLADYS, VA24554 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtCampbell 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
Campbell 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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Brookneal compares by contaminant
Explore where Brookneal ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Brookneal's water comes from
Brookneal'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 1,500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Brookneal
Brookneal is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Brookneal
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BROOKNEAL, TOWN OF | VA5031175 | 1,500 | SW |
How Brookneal compares
Full Virginia rankings →Brookneal's score of 84.3/100 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 Brookneal, VA
Wikipedia →Brookneal is an incorporated town in Campbell County, Virginia, United States. The population was 1,090 as of the 2020 census. It is part of the Lynchburg Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Brookneal's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Campbell
Frequently asked questions
Is Brookneal, VA tap water safe to drink?
Brookneal's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #118 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Brookneal's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 54 violations are on record.
How is Brookneal'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 Brookneal?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Brookneal's water come from?
Brookneal's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 residents.
What health violations has Brookneal's water system had?
Brookneal has 24 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Brookneal's water compare to other cities?
Brookneal ranks #118 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 49% of state cities) and #5984 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Brookneal's small water system affect quality?
Brookneal's system serves approximately 1,500 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 54 violations on record.