Is Kilmarnock, 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 ↓
84.2/100
waterverge.com Kilmarnock, VA — Water Quality Report
Kilmarnock's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,569 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.1 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 21 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kilmarnock's water
Kilmarnock ranks #120 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Kilmarnock relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
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, Kilmarnock may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kilmarnock, VA water safe to drink?
Kilmarnock's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,569 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kilmarnock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kilmarnock's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Kilmarnock'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
Kilmarnock's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lancaster County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Kilmarnock's water come from?
Kilmarnock's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,569 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Kilmarnock residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kilmarnock'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Kilmarnock'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 droughtLancaster 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
Lancaster County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Kilmarnock'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. | 6.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kilmarnock compares by contaminant
Explore where Kilmarnock ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kilmarnock's water comes from
Kilmarnock's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,569 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Kilmarnock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KILMARNOCK, TOWN OF | VA4103600 | 1,500 | GW |
| DITCHLEY | VA4133240 | 69 | GW |
How Kilmarnock compares
Full Virginia rankings →Kilmarnock's score of 84.2/100 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 Kilmarnock, VA
Wikipedia →Kilmarnock is a town in Lancaster and Northumberland counties in the U.S. Commonwealth of Virginia. The population was 1,445 at the 2020 census. It is located near the mouth of the Rappahannock River and is located within the Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace American Viticultural Area winemaking appellation. There is a small hospital in the town. Lancaster Middle School, grades 4–8, is also located in town. Approximately 500 students attend the school.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kilmarnock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lancaster
Frequently asked questions
Is Kilmarnock, VA tap water safe to drink?
Kilmarnock's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #120 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Kilmarnock's water?
Lead was measured at 6.1 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Kilmarnock'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 Kilmarnock?
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 Kilmarnock's water come from?
Kilmarnock's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,569 residents.
What health violations has Kilmarnock's water system had?
Kilmarnock has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Kilmarnock's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kilmarnock uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 21 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Kilmarnock's water compare to other cities?
Kilmarnock ranks #120 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 48% of state cities) and #6052 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.