Is Franklin, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.4/100
waterverge.com Franklin, VA — Water Quality Report
Franklin's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 570 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 97 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Franklin's water
Franklin ranks #81 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Franklin 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, Franklin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Franklin, VA water safe to drink?
Franklin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 570 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Franklin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Franklin's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Franklin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Franklin's water system has 97 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Franklin's water come from?
Franklin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 570 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 Franklin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Franklin'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 Franklin
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Franklin, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 27,823 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 | 1.7 mi |
SOLENIS LLC COURTLAND, VA23837 | 1,2-Dichloropropane | 67 | 4.0 mi |
ARKEMA INC FRANKLIN PLANT COURTLAND, VA23837 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
ST TISSUE LLC FRANKLIN, VA23851 | — | — | 1.7 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.
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 Franklin compares by contaminant
Explore where Franklin ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Franklin's water comes from
Franklin'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 570 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Franklin
Franklin is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Franklin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTHAMPTON MEADOWS | VA3175750 | 500 | GW |
| NOTTOWAY SHORES | VA3175530 | 70 | GW |
How Franklin compares
Full Virginia rankings →Franklin's score of 88.4/100 is on par with the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Franklin, VA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Franklin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Southampton
Frequently asked questions
Is Franklin, VA tap water safe to drink?
Franklin's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #81 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Franklin's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 97 violations are on record.
How is Franklin'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 Franklin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Franklin's water come from?
Franklin's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 570 residents.
What health violations has Franklin's water system had?
Franklin has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Franklin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Franklin 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 97 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 Franklin's water compare to other cities?
Franklin ranks #81 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 65% of state cities) and #3485 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.