Is Buchanan, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
84.6/100
waterverge.com Buchanan, VA — Water Quality Report
Buchanan's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,334 residents using ground water under influence.
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 9 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Buchanan's water
Buchanan ranks #111 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Buchanan 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, Buchanan may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Buchanan, VA water safe to drink?
Buchanan's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,334 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Buchanan
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Buchanan's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4401). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Buchanan's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Buchanan's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Botetourt County has experienced 8 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 James River.
Where does Buchanan's water come from?
Buchanan's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,334 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include James River (river).
What Buchanan residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Buchanan'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.
Buchanan'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 droughtBotetourt 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
Botetourt County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1985. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Buchanan's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 26.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Buchanan compares by contaminant
Explore where Buchanan ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Buchanan's water comes from
Buchanan'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 1,334 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Buchanan
Buchanan is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Buchanan
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BUCHANAN, TOWN OF | VA2023160 | 1,220 | GU |
| MOUNTAIN CREST | VA2023450 | 114 | GW |
How Buchanan compares
Full Virginia rankings →Buchanan's score of 84.6/100 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 Buchanan, VA
Wikipedia →Buchanan is a town in Botetourt County, Virginia, United States. The population was 1,196 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Roanoke metropolitan area. It was the western terminus of the James River and Kanawha Canal when construction on the canal ended.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Buchanan's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Botetourt
Frequently asked questions
Is Buchanan, VA tap water safe to drink?
Buchanan's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #111 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Buchanan's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Buchanan'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 Buchanan?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Buchanan's water come from?
Buchanan's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,334 residents.
What health violations has Buchanan's water system had?
Buchanan has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Buchanan's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Buchanan 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 9 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 Buchanan's water compare to other cities?
Buchanan ranks #111 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 52% of state cities) and #5786 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.