Is Gate City, 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 ↓
87.1/100
waterverge.com Gate City, VA — Water Quality Report
Gate City's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,034 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.2 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 47 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gate City's water
Gate City ranks #94 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.
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, Gate City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gate City, VA water safe to drink?
Gate City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,034 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Gate City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gate City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.1/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3359). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gate City'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
Gate City's water system has 47 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Scott County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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 N F Holston River.
Where does Gate City's water come from?
Gate City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,034 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include N F Holston River (river).
What Gate City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gate City'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Gate City'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 Gate City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gate City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,403,786 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EASTMAN CHEMICAL CO TENNESSEE OPERATIONS KINGSPORT, TN37660 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,102,945 | 8.5 mi |
US ARMY HOLSTON ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT KINGSPORT, TN37660 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 292,239 | 7.3 mi |
DOMTAR PAPER CO LLC KINGSPORT MILL KINGSPORT, TN37660 | Manganese compounds | 6,329 | 6.9 mi |
PRIMESTER GP KINGSPORT, TN37660 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 2,274 | 9.2 mi |
READY MIX USA LLC-KINGSPORT PLANT KINGSPORT, TN37660 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtScott 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
Scott County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1977. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Gate City'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. | 5.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gate City compares by contaminant
Explore where Gate City ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gate City's water comes from
Gate City'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 2,034 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gate City
Gate City is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Gate City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GATE CITY, TOWN OF | VA1169405 | 2,034 | SW |
How Gate City compares
Full Virginia rankings →Gate City's score of 87.1/100 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 Gate City, VA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gate City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Scott
Frequently asked questions
Is Gate City, VA tap water safe to drink?
Gate City's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #94 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Gate City's water?
Lead was measured at 5.2 ppb (90th percentile). 47 violations are on record.
How is Gate City'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 Gate City?
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 Gate City's water come from?
Gate City's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,034 residents.
What health violations has Gate City's water system had?
Gate City has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Gate City's water compare to other cities?
Gate City ranks #94 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 59% of state cities) and #4257 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gate City's small water system affect quality?
Gate City's system serves approximately 2,034 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 47 violations on record.