Is Elkton, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.2/100
waterverge.com Elkton, VA — Water Quality Report
Elkton's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,595 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 10.7 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 7 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elkton's water
Elkton ranks #119 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Elkton 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Elkton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elkton, VA water safe to drink?
Elkton's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (84.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,595 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Elkton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elkton's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.2/100).
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).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elkton's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Elkton's water system has 7 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Rockingham County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1985. 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 S F Shenandoah River.
Where does Elkton's water come from?
Elkton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,595 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include S F Shenandoah River (river).
What Elkton 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Elkton'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 Elkton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Elkton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 546 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MOLSON COORS SHENANDOAH BREWERY ELKTON, VA22827 | Ammonia | 546 | 5.1 mi |
MERCK SHARP & DOHME LLC ELKTON, VA22827 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtRockingham 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
Rockingham County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1985. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Elkton'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. | 10.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Elkton compares by contaminant
Explore where Elkton ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elkton's water comes from
Elkton'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 2,595 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Elkton
Elkton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Elkton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELKTON, TOWN OF | VA2165270 | 2,595 | GW |
How Elkton compares
Full Virginia rankings →Elkton's score of 84.2/100 is on par with the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Elkton, VA
Wikipedia →Elkton is an incorporated town in Rockingham County, Virginia, United States. It is included in the Harrisonburg metropolitan area. The population was 2,941 at the 2020 census and 2,762 at the 2010 census. Elkton was named for the Elk Run stream.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elkton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rockingham
Frequently asked questions
Is Elkton, VA tap water safe to drink?
Elkton's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #119 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Elkton's water?
Lead was measured at 10.7 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is Elkton'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 Elkton?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elkton's water come from?
Elkton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,595 residents.
What health violations has Elkton's water system had?
Elkton has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2011. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Elkton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Elkton 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 7 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 Elkton's water compare to other cities?
Elkton ranks #119 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 48% of state cities) and #6043 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Elkton's small water system affect quality?
Elkton's system serves approximately 2,595 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 7 violations on record.