WaterVerge

Is La Crosse, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how La Crosse ranks. What to do next ↓

850 residents served 1 water system PWSID: VA5117400
Overall Score
94.8 / 100
Violations
None active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#16 of 230 in Virginia Top 3% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
94.8/100
waterverge.com
A 94.8/100

La Crosse, VA — Water Quality Report

La Crosse's drinking water received a grade of A (94.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using purchased surface water.

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 6 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

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

What to know about La Crosse's water

La Crosse ranks #16 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it one of the best 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.

As a small community water system, La Crosse may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
94.8 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.8/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is La Crosse, VA water safe to drink?

Generally Safe

Based on EPA testing data, La Crosse's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (94.8/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

None
Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for La Crosse

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into La Crosse's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.8/100).

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-4401). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

La Crosse's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.

MCLMR
Most recent violations:
Apr 2015 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2015 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2014 TTHM Resolved
Sep 2008 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Apr 2003 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Mecklenburg County has experienced 8 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 Meherrin River.

TROPICAL STORM MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA DR-4411
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4401
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3403

Where does La Crosse's water come from?

La Crosse's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 850 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Meherrin River (river).

What La Crosse residents can do

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

La Crosse'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

6
Total violations
5
Health-based
0
Active / unresolved
Apr 2015
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

6 Total
0 Active
5 Health-based
6 Resolved
3 SNC
Violations by category
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
3
Total Coliform Rule
3
Apr 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Jun 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Mar 2015
Oct 2014 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Dec 2014
Sep 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2008
Apr 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 2003
Sep 2000 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2000
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of La Crosse

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near La Crosse, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
AMERICAN BUILDINGS COMPANY-LA CROSSE
Fabricated Metals · NUCOR CORP
LA CROSSE, VA23950
1.4 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D3 — extreme drought

Mecklenburg 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)
14.2%
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

8
Declared disasters
Dec 2018
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Mecklenburg County has experienced 8 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
Oct 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA #4401
Sep 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA #3403
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3359
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3240
Sep 2003
HURRICANE ISABEL
Hurricane FEMA #1491

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 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 decreased by 1.0 ppb from 1993 (1.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
850
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where La Crosse's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

La Crosse'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 850 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near La Crosse

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

Meherrin River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving La Crosse

System Name PWSID Population Source
LA CROSSE, TOWN OF VA5117400 850 SWP
Regional Comparison

How La Crosse compares

Full Virginia rankings →

La Crosse's score of 94.8/100 is above the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

La Crosse (this city)
94.8
Herndon
75.5
Ashburn
87
Virginia avg
85
City Profile

About La Crosse, VA

Economic Profile
$34,306
Median Income
$96,472
Median Home Value
$980/mo
Median Rent
2.6%
Unemployment
Community
51.1
Median Age
178
People / sq mi
9.9%
College Educated
48%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is La Crosse, VA tap water safe to drink?

La Crosse's water quality earned a grade of A (94.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #16 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.

What contaminants are in La Crosse's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.

How is La Crosse'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 La Crosse?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does La Crosse's water come from?

La Crosse's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 850 residents.

What health violations has La Crosse's water system had?

La Crosse has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2015. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. All health violations have been resolved.

How does La Crosse's water compare to other cities?

La Crosse ranks #16 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 93% of state cities) and #428 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does La Crosse's small water system affect quality?

La Crosse's system serves approximately 850 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 6 violations on record.