Is Cedar Bluff, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93/100
waterverge.com Cedar Bluff, VA — Water Quality Report
Cedar Bluff's drinking water received a grade of A (93 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.7 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 16 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Cedar Bluff's water
Cedar Bluff ranks #34 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it above 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, Cedar Bluff may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cedar Bluff, VA water safe to drink?
Cedar Bluff's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cedar Bluff
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cedar Bluff's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93/100).
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.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Methoxychlor, Selenium, Fluoride.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cedar Bluff's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cedar Bluff's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Tazewell County has experienced 4 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. Local water sources include Indian Creek Above Rt 631, Indian Creek Trib Along Rt 631 Nr Cedar Bluff, Indian Creek Tributary Ab Mouth Nr Cedar Bluff.
Where does Cedar Bluff's water come from?
Cedar Bluff's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Indian Creek Above Rt 631 (river), Indian Creek Trib Along Rt 631 Nr Cedar Bluff (river), Indian Creek Tributary Ab Mouth Nr Cedar Bluff (river).
What Cedar Bluff residents can do
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.
Cedar 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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Cedar Bluff
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cedar Bluff, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
QUIKRETE - POUNDING MILL VA PLANT POUNDING MILL, VA24637 | — | — | 3.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtTazewell 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
Tazewell County has experienced 4 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. | 2.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cedar Bluff compares by contaminant
Explore where Cedar Bluff ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cedar Bluff's water comes from
Cedar Bluff'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 1,400 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cedar Bluff
Cedar Bluff is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Cedar Bluff
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEDAR BLUFF, TOWN OF | VA1185085 | 1,400 | SWP |
How Cedar Bluff compares
Full Virginia rankings →Cedar Bluff's score of 93/100 is above the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Cedar Bluff, VA
Wikipedia →Cedar Bluff is a town in Tazewell County, Virginia, United States. As of the 2020 census, Cedar Bluff had a population of 1,069. It is part of the Bluefield, WV-VA micropolitan area, which has a population of 107,578.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cedar Bluff's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tazewell
Frequently asked questions
Is Cedar Bluff, VA tap water safe to drink?
Cedar Bluff's water quality earned a grade of A (93/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #34 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Cedar Bluff's water?
Lead was measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Cedar 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 Cedar Bluff?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cedar Bluff's water come from?
Cedar Bluff's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 residents.
How does Cedar Bluff's water compare to other cities?
Cedar Bluff ranks #34 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 85% of state cities) and #1021 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cedar Bluff's small water system affect quality?
Cedar Bluff's system serves approximately 1,400 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 16 violations on record.