Is Charlotte Amalie, VI 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 ↓
77/100
waterverge.com Charlotte Amalie, VI — Water Quality Report
Charlotte Amalie's drinking water received a grade of B (77 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,060 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 10 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Charlotte Amalie's water
Charlotte Amalie ranks #1 out of 2 cities in U.S. Virgin Islands for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Charlotte Amalie 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, Charlotte Amalie may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Charlotte Amalie, VI water safe to drink?
Charlotte Amalie's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,060 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Charlotte Amalie
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Charlotte Amalie's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Radium (-226 and -228).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Charlotte Amalie's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Charlotte Amalie's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Charlotte Amalie's water come from?
Charlotte Amalie's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,060 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Charlotte Amalie residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Charlotte Amalie'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Charlotte Amalie compares by contaminant
Explore where Charlotte Amalie ranks among all U.S. Virgin Islands cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Charlotte Amalie's water comes from
Charlotte Amalie'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,060 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Charlotte Amalie
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bovoni Housing Project I and II | VI0000029 | 960 | GW |
| Burnett Towers | VI0000122 | 100 | GW |
How Charlotte Amalie compares
Full U.S. Virgin Islands rankings →Charlotte Amalie's score of 77/100 is above the average of 61/100 among major U.S. Virgin Islands cities. It outscores 1 of 1 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View U.S. Virgin Islands rankings →About Charlotte Amalie, VI
Wikipedia →Charlotte Amalie, on Saint Thomas, is the capital and largest town of the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is on the island's southern shore at the head of Charlotte Amalie Harbor. The town is known for its historic sites, Danish colonial architecture, harbor, and shopping. In 2020, it had a population of 8,194, making it the most densely populated town in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Charlotte Amalie's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across St. Thomas Island
Frequently asked questions
Is Charlotte Amalie, VI tap water safe to drink?
Charlotte Amalie's water quality earned a grade of B (77/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #1 out of 2 cities tested in U.S. Virgin Islands.
What contaminants are in Charlotte Amalie's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Charlotte Amalie'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 Charlotte Amalie?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Charlotte Amalie's water come from?
Charlotte Amalie's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,060 residents.
What health violations has Charlotte Amalie's water system had?
Charlotte Amalie has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Charlotte Amalie's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Charlotte Amalie 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 10 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 Charlotte Amalie's water compare to other cities?
Charlotte Amalie ranks #1 out of 2 cities in U.S. Virgin Islands (better than 50% of state cities) and #9141 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.