Is King George, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 73 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45/100
King George, VA — Water Quality Report
King George's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 885 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 223 violations on record, including 34 health-based violations. 73 remain unresolved.
What to know about King George's water
King George ranks #217 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
King George 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.
As a small community water system, King George may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 43 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is King George, VA water safe to drink?
King George's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 885 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for King George
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into King George's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 King George's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
King George's water system has 223 total violations on record, including 34 health-based violations. 73 remain unresolved. 43 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
King George County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1985. 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 King George's water come from?
King George's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 885 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What King George residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in King George'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.
King George'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 King George
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near King George, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CMC REBAR VA KING GEORGE KING GEORGE, VA22485 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of King George
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER DAHLGREN9.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtGloucester 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
King George County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1985. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 4.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how King George compares by contaminant
Explore where King George ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where King George's water comes from
King George'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 private ownership and serves approximately 885 people through 6 water systems.
Water systems serving King George
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PINEVIEW MHP 1-3 | VA6099430 | 400 | GW |
| LAURELWOOD ESTATES TRAILER PK | VA4073510 | 210 | GW |
| HANOVER MHP | VA6099275 | 146 | GW |
| WALNUT GROVE MHP | VA6099590 | 51 | GW |
| AMERICAN HISTORYLAND MHP | VA6099025 | 40 | GW |
| EAGLE BAY | VA6099231 | 38 | GW |
How King George compares
Full Virginia rankings →King George's score of 45/100 is below the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About King George, VA
Wikipedia →King George is a census-designated place (CDP) in and the county seat of King George County, Virginia, United States. It is sometimes referred to as King George Courthouse, because it is the location of the King George County Courthouse. The population as of the 2020 census was 4,970. The Journal Press was a local weekly newspaper published in King George and serving local areas until its final issue was published on Jan 11th, 2017.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to King George's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across King George
Frequently asked questions
Is King George, VA tap water safe to drink?
King George's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #217 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in King George's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 223 violations are on record.
How is King George'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 King George?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does King George's water come from?
King George's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 885 residents.
What health violations has King George's water system had?
King George has 34 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 73 violations remain unresolved.
Is King George's groundwater at risk of contamination?
King George 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 223 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 King George's water compare to other cities?
King George ranks #217 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 6% of state cities) and #14301 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.