Is Mcgaheysville, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.1/100
waterverge.com Mcgaheysville, VA — Water Quality Report
Mcgaheysville's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 560 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mcgaheysville's water
Mcgaheysville ranks #85 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Mcgaheysville 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, Mcgaheysville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mcgaheysville, VA water safe to drink?
Mcgaheysville's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 560 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mcgaheysville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mcgaheysville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.1/100).
1 health-based. 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.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mcgaheysville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mcgaheysville's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Rockingham County has experienced 8 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. Local water sources include Middle River, S F Shenandoah River.
Where does Mcgaheysville's water come from?
Mcgaheysville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 560 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Middle River (river), S F Shenandoah River (river).
What Mcgaheysville 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.
Mcgaheysville'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 Mcgaheysville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mcgaheysville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 546 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MOLSON COORS SHENANDOAH BREWERY ELKTON, VA22827 | Ammonia | 546 | 2.9 mi |
GEORGE'S FOODS LLC. PROCESSING PLANT HARRISONBURG, VA22801 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
GEORGE'S FOODS LLC FEED MILL HARRISONBURG, VA22802 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
DRIV HARRISONBURG, VA22801 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORP HARRISONBURG FEEDMILL HARRISONBURG, VA22802 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtRockingham 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
Rockingham County has experienced 8 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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mcgaheysville compares by contaminant
Explore where Mcgaheysville ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mcgaheysville's water comes from
Mcgaheysville'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 560 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Mcgaheysville
Mcgaheysville is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mcgaheysville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEDAR HILL I | VA2165615 | 400 | GW |
| CEDAR HILL II | VA2165285 | 160 | GW |
How Mcgaheysville compares
Full Virginia rankings →Mcgaheysville's score of 88.1/100 is on par with the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Mcgaheysville, VA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mcgaheysville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Rockingham
Frequently asked questions
Is Mcgaheysville, VA tap water safe to drink?
Mcgaheysville's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #85 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Mcgaheysville's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Mcgaheysville'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 Mcgaheysville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mcgaheysville's water come from?
Mcgaheysville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 560 residents.
What health violations has Mcgaheysville's water system had?
Mcgaheysville has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mcgaheysville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mcgaheysville 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 6 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 Mcgaheysville's water compare to other cities?
Mcgaheysville ranks #85 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 63% of state cities) and #3665 out of 15744 cities nationally (77th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.