Is Gordonsville, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
69.2/100
waterverge.com Gordonsville, VA — Water Quality Report
Gordonsville's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,830 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 82 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gordonsville's water
Gordonsville ranks #181 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
As a small community water system, Gordonsville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
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 Gordonsville, VA water safe to drink?
Gordonsville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,830 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Gordonsville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gordonsville's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.2/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Gordonsville'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
Gordonsville's water system has 82 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Orange County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 South Anna River.
Where does Gordonsville's water come from?
Gordonsville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,830 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include South Anna River (river).
What Gordonsville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gordonsville'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.
Gordonsville'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 Gordonsville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gordonsville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GORDONSVILLE POWER STATION GORDONSVILLE, VA22942 | — | — | 0.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtFluvanna 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
Orange County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Gordonsville'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. | 1.0 | 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. | 1.81 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gordonsville compares by contaminant
Explore where Gordonsville ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gordonsville's water comes from
Gordonsville'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 2,830 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Gordonsville
Gordonsville 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 Gordonsville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GORDONSVILLE, TOWN OF | VA6137400 | 1,800 | SWP |
| SHENANDOAH CROSSING | VA2109650 | 950 | GW |
| PINE GROVE MOBILE HOME PARK | VA2065600 | 80 | GW |
How Gordonsville compares
Full Virginia rankings →Gordonsville's score of 69.2/100 is below the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Gordonsville, VA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gordonsville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Orange
Frequently asked questions
Is Gordonsville, VA tap water safe to drink?
Gordonsville's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #181 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Gordonsville's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 82 violations are on record.
How is Gordonsville'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 Gordonsville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gordonsville's water come from?
Gordonsville's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,830 residents.
What health violations has Gordonsville's water system had?
Gordonsville has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 19 violations remain unresolved.
How does Gordonsville's water compare to other cities?
Gordonsville ranks #181 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 21% of state cities) and #10961 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.