Is Lexington, 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 ↓
93.1/100
waterverge.com Lexington, VA — Water Quality Report
Lexington's drinking water received a grade of A (93.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 6,334 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 52 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Lexington's water
Lexington ranks #32 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it above 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lexington, VA water safe to drink?
Lexington's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 6,334 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Lexington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lexington's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.1/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lexington's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lexington's water system has 52 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved.
Where does Lexington's water come from?
Lexington's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 6,334 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Maury River (river), Kerrs Creek (river).
What Lexington 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.
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 Lexington
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lexington, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MODINE MANUFACTURING CO BUENA VISTA, VA24416 | Copper | 1 | 6.0 mi |
EVERBRITE LLC BUENA VISTA, VA24416 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtRockbridge 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.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lexington compares by contaminant
Explore where Lexington ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lexington's water comes from
Lexington'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 6,334 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Lexington
Lexington is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Lexington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| N. LEXINGTON-FAIRFIELD-RAPHINE [RCPSA] | VA2163650 | 4,711 | SWP |
| NATURAL BRIDGE STATION / ARNOLDS VALLEY | VA2163625 | 919 | GW |
| LONG HOLLOW | VA2163400 | 584 | GUP |
| RIVERMONT HEIGHTS | VA2163701 | 120 | GUP |
| MAURY SERVICE AUTHORITY | VA2163550 | — | SW |
How Lexington compares
Full Virginia rankings →Lexington's score of 93.1/100 is above the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Lexington, VA
Wikipedia →Lexington is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 7,320. It is the county seat of Rockbridge County, although the two are separate jurisdictions, and is combined with it for statistical purposes by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Lexington is within the Shenandoah Valley about 57 miles (92 km) east of the West Virginia border and is about 50 miles (80 km) north of Roanoke, Virginia. First settled in 1778, Lexington is best known as the home of the Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lexington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rockbridge
Frequently asked questions
Is Lexington, VA tap water safe to drink?
Lexington's water quality earned a grade of A (93.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #32 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Lexington's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 52 violations are on record.
How is Lexington'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 Lexington?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lexington's water come from?
Lexington's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 6,334 residents.
What health violations has Lexington's water system had?
Lexington has 1 health-based violation 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. 1 violation remains unresolved.
How does Lexington's water compare to other cities?
Lexington ranks #32 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 86% of state cities) and #956 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.