WaterVerge

Is Keysville, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

800 residents served 1 water system PWSID: VA5037300
Overall Score
76.1 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#164 of 230 in Virginia Top 60% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
BGRADE
Water Quality Grade
76.1/100
waterverge.com
B 76.1/100

Keysville, VA — Water Quality Report

Keysville's drinking water received a grade of B (76.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 8.1 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 40 violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Keysville's water

Keysville ranks #164 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.

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, Keysville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
76.1 out of 100 Grade B
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
31.1/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 8.1 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Keysville, VA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Keysville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

5
Active Violations
8.1 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Keysville

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Keysville's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.1/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Disaster
TROPICAL STORM MICHAEL

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4411). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE FLORENCE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Keysville's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 8.1 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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

Keysville's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MCLMROther
Most recent violations:
Oct 2024 TTHM Resolved
Jul 2024 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2022 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2022 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jan 2020 TTHM Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Charlotte County has experienced 10 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 North Meherrin River.

TROPICAL STORM MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA DR-4411
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3403
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3403

Where does Keysville's water come from?

Keysville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 800 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include North Meherrin River (river).

What Keysville residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Keysville's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Keysville'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
8.1 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 54% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

40
Total violations
22
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Oct 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

40 Total
5 Active
22 Health-based
35 Resolved
8 SNC
Violations by category
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
16
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
16
Total Coliform Rule
2
Miscellaneous Other Rules
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Mar 2017 Active
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2014 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2011 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2024 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2024
Jul 2024 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2024
Oct 2022 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Oct 2022 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2022
Jan 2020 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Mar 2020
Oct 2019 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Dec 2019
Oct 2018 Resolved
CARBON, TOTAL
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2018
Jan 2018 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Mar 2018
Oct 2017 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Dec 2017
Jul 2017 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Sep 2017
Jan 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Mar 2015
Oct 2014 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Dec 2014
Jul 2014 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2014
Jul 2014 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Sep 2014
Jul 2014 Resolved
CARBON, TOTAL
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2014
Showing 20 of 40 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Charlotte 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
13.1%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Dec 2018
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Charlotte County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Dec 2018
TROPICAL STORM MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA #4411
Sep 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA #3403
Sep 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA #3403
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3359
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3359
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3240

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Keysville's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 8.1 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 8.1 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 7.1 ppb from 1993 (1.0 ppb) to 2023 (8.1 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
800
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Keysville's water comes from

Surface Water

Keysville'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 800 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Keysville

Keysville is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

North Meherrin River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Keysville

System Name PWSID Population Source
KEYSVILLE, TOWN OF VA5037300 800 SW
Regional Comparison

How Keysville compares

Full Virginia rankings →

Keysville's score of 76.1/100 is below the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Keysville (this city)
76.1
Herndon
75.5
Ashburn
87
Virginia avg
85
City Profile

About Keysville, VA

Wikipedia →

Keysville is a town in Charlotte County, Virginia, United States. As of the 2020 census, Keysville had a population of 807. One of two branches of Southside Virginia Community College is in Keysville. The surrounding area has tobacco and mixed farming.

Economic Profile
$26,691
Median Income
$129,861
Median Home Value
$694/mo
Median Rent
2.2%
Unemployment
Community
38
Median Age
250
People / sq mi
24%
College Educated
36%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Keysville, VA tap water safe to drink?

Keysville's water quality earned a grade of B (76.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #164 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.

What contaminants are in Keysville's water?

Lead was measured at 8.1 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.

How is Keysville'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 Keysville?

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 Keysville's water come from?

Keysville's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 800 residents.

What health violations has Keysville's water system had?

Keysville has 22 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. 5 violations remain unresolved.

How does Keysville's water compare to other cities?

Keysville ranks #164 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 29% of state cities) and #9401 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Keysville's small water system affect quality?

Keysville's system serves approximately 800 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 40 violations on record.