Is Charles City, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
59.7/100
waterverge.com Charles City, VA — Water Quality Report
Charles City's drinking water received a grade of C- (59.7 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 611 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 103 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Charles City's water
Charles City ranks #198 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Charles City 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, Charles City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 30 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Charles City, VA water safe to drink?
Charles City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 611 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Charles City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Charles City's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59.7/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: E. COLI.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Charles City'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
Charles City's water system has 103 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 30 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Charles City 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. Local water sources include Chickahominy River.
Where does Charles City's water come from?
Charles City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 611 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chickahominy River (river).
What Charles City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Charles City'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.
Charles City'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 droughtCharles City 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
Charles City 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Charles City'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. | 1.1 | 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. | 2.39 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.390 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Charles City compares by contaminant
Explore where Charles City ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Charles City's water comes from
Charles City'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 611 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Charles City
Charles City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Charles City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAYSIDE AREA | VA4036900 | 368 | GW |
| MT ZION/RUSTIC AREA | VA4036500 | 243 | GW |
How Charles City compares
Full Virginia rankings →Charles City's score of 59.7/100 is below the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Charles City, VA
Wikipedia →This is a list of places in Charles City County, Virginia. Charles City County is located in the Richmond region.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Charles City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Charles City
Frequently asked questions
Is Charles City, VA tap water safe to drink?
Charles City's water quality earned a grade of C- (59.7/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #198 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Charles City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 103 violations are on record.
How is Charles City'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 Charles City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Charles City's water come from?
Charles City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 611 residents.
What health violations has Charles City's water system had?
Charles City has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.
Is Charles City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Charles City 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 103 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 Charles City's water compare to other cities?
Charles City ranks #198 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 14% of state cities) and #12154 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.