Is Courtland, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
66.5/100
waterverge.com Courtland, VA — Water Quality Report
Courtland's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 3,899 residents using groundwater.
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 144 violations on record, including 97 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Courtland's water
Courtland ranks #184 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Courtland 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Courtland, VA water safe to drink?
Courtland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 3,899 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Courtland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Courtland's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.5/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Fluoride.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Fluoride.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4291). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Courtland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Courtland's water system has 144 total violations on record, including 97 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Southampton County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Nottoway River, Blackwater River.
Where does Courtland's water come from?
Courtland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 3,899 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nottoway River (river), Blackwater River (river).
What Courtland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Courtland'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.
Courtland'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 Courtland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Courtland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 27,906 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
INTERNATIONAL PAPER FRANKLIN MILL FRANKLIN, VA23851 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 27,756 | 8.7 mi |
ATLANTIC POLE & PILING - NEWSOMS NEWSOMS, VA23874 | Chromium and Chromium Compounds(except for chromite ore mined in the Transvaal Region) | 83 | 7.7 mi |
SOLENIS LLC COURTLAND, VA23837 | 1,2-Dichloropropane | 67 | 5.4 mi |
ARKEMA INC FRANKLIN PLANT COURTLAND, VA23837 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
ST TISSUE LLC FRANKLIN, VA23851 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSouthampton 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
Southampton County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Courtland compares by contaminant
Explore where Courtland ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Courtland's water comes from
Courtland'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 3,899 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near Courtland
Courtland is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Courtland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOYKINS-BRANCHVILLE SYSTEM | VA3175100 | 1,430 | GW |
| COURTLAND, TOWN OF | VA3175220 | 1,284 | GW |
| NEWSOMS TOWN OF | VA3175500 | 550 | GW |
| EDGEHILL | VA3175340 | 230 | GW |
| DREWRYVILLE | VA3175300 | 185 | GW |
| SILVERLEAF CORP | VA3175710 | 120 | GW |
| SOUTHAMPTON JAIL FARM | VA3175600 | 100 | GW |
How Courtland compares
Full Virginia rankings →Courtland's score of 66.5/100 is below the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Courtland, VA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Courtland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Southampton
Frequently asked questions
Is Courtland, VA tap water safe to drink?
Courtland's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #184 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Courtland's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 144 violations are on record.
How is Courtland'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 Courtland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Courtland's water come from?
Courtland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 3,899 residents.
What health violations has Courtland's water system had?
Courtland has 97 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Courtland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Courtland 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 144 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 Courtland's water compare to other cities?
Courtland ranks #184 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 20% of state cities) and #11362 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.