Is Independence, 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 ↓
79.2/100
waterverge.com Independence, VA — Water Quality Report
Independence's drinking water received a grade of B (79.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,352 residents using gup.
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 63 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Independence's water
Independence ranks #153 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
As a small community water system, Independence may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Independence, VA water safe to drink?
Independence's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,352 residents using gup.
Recent water quality updates for Independence
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Independence's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.2/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4411). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4401). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Independence'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
Independence's water system has 63 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Grayson County has experienced 8 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.
Where does Independence's water come from?
Independence's drinking water comes from gup, supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 2,352 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Independence residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Independence'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.
Independence'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 Independence
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Independence, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AMANO PIONEER ECLIPSE CORP SPARTA, NC28675 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtGrayson 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.
Flood & disaster history
Grayson County has experienced 8 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 Independence'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Independence compares by contaminant
Explore where Independence ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Independence's water comes from
Independence's water comes from groundwater under the direct influence of surface water, a designation that requires the same treatment rigor as surface water systems.
This source type is vulnerable to both surface contamination pathways and naturally occurring underground contaminants.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,352 people through 5 water systems.
Water systems serving Independence
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| INDEPENDENCE, TOWN OF | VA1077335 | 971 | GUP |
| FAIRVIEW WATER SYSTEM | VA1077200 | 730 | SWP |
| GRANT COMMUNITY | VA1077251 | 350 | GWP |
| OLDTOWN WATER SYSTEM | VA1077570 | 301 | SWP |
| VIRGINIA CAROLINA WATER AUTHORITY | VA1077825 | — | SW |
How Independence compares
Full Virginia rankings →Independence's score of 79.2/100 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 Independence, VA
Wikipedia →Independence is a town located in, and the county seat of, Grayson County, Virginia, United States. At the 2020 U.S. census, it had a population of 1,001. It is situated on Virginia's Crooked Road, a heritage trail celebrating the musical heritage of Southwest Virginia.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Independence's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grayson
Frequently asked questions
Is Independence, VA tap water safe to drink?
Independence's water quality earned a grade of B (79.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #153 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Independence's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 63 violations are on record.
How is Independence'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 Independence?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Independence's water come from?
Independence's water is sourced from GUP. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 2,352 residents.
What health violations has Independence's water system had?
Independence has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
How does Independence's water compare to other cities?
Independence ranks #153 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 33% of state cities) and #8344 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.