Is Goochland, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
79.5/100
waterverge.com Goochland, VA — Water Quality Report
Goochland's drinking water received a grade of B (79.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 9,057 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.3 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 56 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Goochland's water
Goochland ranks #150 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it below average 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 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Goochland, VA water safe to drink?
Goochland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 9,057 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Goochland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Goochland's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.5/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Goochland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Goochland's water system has 56 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Goochland County has experienced 6 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 Fine Creek.
Where does Goochland's water come from?
Goochland's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 9,057 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Fine Creek (river).
What Goochland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Goochland'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.
Goochland'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtGoochland 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
Goochland County has experienced 6 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 Goochland'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. | 0.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.53 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Goochland compares by contaminant
Explore where Goochland ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Goochland's water comes from
Goochland'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 9,057 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Goochland
Goochland 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 Goochland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EASTERN GOOCHLAND CENTRAL WATER SYSTEM | VA4075283 | 5,805 | SWP |
| GOOCHLAND COURTHOUSE | VA4075280 | 3,068 | SWP |
| CHELSEA REHABILITATION AND HEALTHCARE | VA4075520 | 184 | GW |
How Goochland compares
Full Virginia rankings →Goochland's score of 79.5/100 is below the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Goochland, VA
Wikipedia →Goochland is a census-designated place (CDP) in and the county seat of Goochland County, Virginia, United States. The population as of the 2020 census was 899, up from 861 in 2010. The community is also known as Goochland Courthouse or by an alternative spelling, Goochland Court House. It derives its name from the fact that the community is the location of the county's court house, while the county in turn is named for Sir William Gooch, 1st Baronet, the royal lieutenant governor of Virginia from 1727 to 1749.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Goochland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Goochland
Frequently asked questions
Is Goochland, VA tap water safe to drink?
Goochland's water quality earned a grade of B (79.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #150 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Goochland's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 56 violations are on record.
How is Goochland'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 Goochland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Goochland's water come from?
Goochland's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 9,057 residents.
What health violations has Goochland's water system had?
Goochland has 7 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. 10 violations remain unresolved.
How does Goochland's water compare to other cities?
Goochland ranks #150 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 35% of state cities) and #8228 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.