Is Kenbridge, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.6/100
waterverge.com Kenbridge, VA — Water Quality Report
Kenbridge's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 10.3 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 11 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Kenbridge's water
Kenbridge ranks #106 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, Kenbridge may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kenbridge, VA water safe to drink?
Kenbridge's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Kenbridge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kenbridge's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.6/100).
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.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kenbridge'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
Kenbridge's water system has 11 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lunenburg County has experienced 9 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.
Where does Kenbridge's water come from?
Kenbridge's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Kenbridge residents can do
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.
Kenbridge'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 Kenbridge
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kenbridge, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
VIRGINIA MARBLE MANUFACTURERS INC KENBRIDGE, VA23944 | — | — | 0.2 mi |
VIRGINIA MARBLE MANUFACTURERS INC KENBRIDGE, VA23944 | — | — | 1.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLunenburg 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
Lunenburg County has experienced 9 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 Kenbridge'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. | 10.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kenbridge compares by contaminant
Explore where Kenbridge ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kenbridge's water comes from
Kenbridge'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 1,400 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Kenbridge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KENBRIDGE, TOWN OF | VA5111450 | 1,400 | SW |
How Kenbridge compares
Full Virginia rankings →Kenbridge's score of 85.6/100 is on par with the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Kenbridge, VA
Wikipedia →Kenbridge is a town in Lunenburg County, Virginia, United States. As of the 2020 census, Kenbridge had a population of 1,112. It is in a tobacco farming area. The area is home to noted folk artist Eldridge Bagley. The town is home to the Lunenburg Girls’ Softball league, Lunenburg Lightning Football and Cheerleading league and the United Futbol Soccer league. There are many quaint shops and boutiques and many family-owned businesses. Home to Kenbridge Elementary School. Visit www.kenbridgeva.net for information.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kenbridge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lunenburg
Frequently asked questions
Is Kenbridge, VA tap water safe to drink?
Kenbridge's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #106 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Kenbridge's water?
Lead was measured at 10.3 ppb (90th percentile). 11 violations are on record.
How is Kenbridge'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 Kenbridge?
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 Kenbridge's water come from?
Kenbridge's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 residents.
What health violations has Kenbridge's water system had?
Kenbridge has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Kenbridge's water compare to other cities?
Kenbridge ranks #106 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 54% of state cities) and #5223 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kenbridge's small water system affect quality?
Kenbridge's system serves approximately 1,400 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 11 violations on record.