Is Covington, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.7/100
waterverge.com Covington, VA — Water Quality Report
Covington's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 8,691 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 18 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Covington's water
Covington ranks #102 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Covington, VA water safe to drink?
Covington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 7 water systems serve approximately 8,691 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Covington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Covington's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.7/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Covington's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Covington's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Covington's water come from?
Covington's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 7 water systems serving approximately 8,691 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Jackson River (river), Jackson Riv (river), Dunlap Creek (river), Jackson River Bl Dunlap Creek (river), Potts Creek (river).
What Covington residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Covington'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Covington
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Covington, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 56,403 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WESTROCK VIRGINIA CORP COVINGTON, VA24426 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 56,403 | 1.1 mi |
INGEVITY VIRGINIA CORP COVINGTON, VA24426 | — | — | 1.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Covington
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- KIM STAN LANDFILL6.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtAlleghany 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.
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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Covington compares by contaminant
Explore where Covington ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Covington's water comes from
Covington'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 8,691 people through 7 water systems.
Water bodies near Covington
Covington is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Covington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POUNDING MILL | VA2005600 | 1,965 | SWP |
| SELMA / LOW MOOR / VALLEY RIDGE | VA2005840 | 1,884 | SWP |
| CLIFTONDALE PARK/ WILSON CREEK/ SHARON | VA2005160 | 1,860 | SWP |
| INTERVALE/CLEARWATER PARK | VA2005440 | 1,332 | SWP |
| ROSEDALE/CALLAGHAN | VA2005800 | 858 | SWP |
| CHEROKEE | VA2005095 | 504 | SWP |
| WESGATE | VA2005950 | 288 | SWP |
How Covington compares
Full Virginia rankings →Covington's score of 85.7/100 is on par with the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Covington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Alleghany
Frequently asked questions
Is Covington, VA tap water safe to drink?
Covington's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #102 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Covington's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Covington'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 Covington?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Covington's water come from?
Covington's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 7 water systems serving approximately 8,691 residents.
What health violations has Covington's water system had?
Covington has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Covington's water compare to other cities?
Covington ranks #102 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 56% of state cities) and #5148 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.