Is Mount Jackson, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Mount Jackson, VA — Water Quality Report
Mount Jackson's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 4,252 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.5 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 644 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 45 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mount Jackson's water
Mount Jackson ranks #211 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Mount Jackson 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.
The system has seen 21 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mount Jackson, VA water safe to drink?
Mount Jackson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 8 water systems serve approximately 4,252 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mount Jackson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mount Jackson's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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-4092). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mount Jackson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Mount Jackson's water system has 644 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 45 remain unresolved. 21 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Shenandoah 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 S F Shenandoah River, Smith Creek, N F Shenandoah River.
Where does Mount Jackson's water come from?
Mount Jackson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 8 water systems serving approximately 4,252 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include S F Shenandoah River (river), Smith Creek (river), N F Shenandoah River (river).
What Mount Jackson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mount Jackson'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.
Mount Jackson'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 Mount Jackson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mount Jackson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 244,150 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NEW MARKET POULTRY LLC NEW MARKET, VA22844 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 201,800 | 6.4 mi |
GEORGE'S CHICKEN LLC EDINBURG, VA22824 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 42,350 | 9.8 mi |
CABINETWORKS GROUP - MOUNT JACKSON PLANT MOUNT JACKSON, VA22842 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
GEORGES FAMILY FARMS LLC MT JACKSON FEED MILL MOUNT JACKSON, VA22842 | — | — | 2.0 mi |
HOWELL METAL CO NEW MARKET, VA22844 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtAlbemarle 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Shenandoah 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mount Jackson'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. | 2.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.83 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mount Jackson compares by contaminant
Explore where Mount Jackson ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mount Jackson's water comes from
Mount Jackson'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 4,252 people through 8 water systems.
Water bodies near Mount Jackson
Mount Jackson is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mount Jackson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNT JACKSON, TOWN OF | VA2171575 | 1,864 | GW |
| GLASGOW, TOWN OF | VA2163225 | 1,133 | GW |
| MIDDLEBURG, TOWN OF | VA6107450 | 803 | GW |
| OLD FARMS SUBDIVISION | VA2139440 | 146 | GW |
| WOODS EDGE SUBDIVISION | VA2003900 | 110 | GW |
| JACKSON`S MEADOW | VA2187590 | 100 | GW |
| VALLEY VIEW SUBDIVISION | VA2171817 | 54 | GW |
| GLENDALE SUBDIVISION | VA6047255 | 42 | GW |
How Mount Jackson compares
Full Virginia rankings →Mount Jackson's score of 46/100 is below the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Mount Jackson, VA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mount Jackson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Shenandoah
Frequently asked questions
Is Mount Jackson, VA tap water safe to drink?
Mount Jackson's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #211 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Mount Jackson's water?
Lead was measured at 2.5 ppb (90th percentile). 644 violations are on record.
How is Mount Jackson'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 Mount Jackson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mount Jackson's water come from?
Mount Jackson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 8 water systems serving approximately 4,252 residents.
What health violations has Mount Jackson's water system had?
Mount Jackson has 13 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. 45 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mount Jackson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mount Jackson 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 644 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 Mount Jackson's water compare to other cities?
Mount Jackson ranks #211 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 8% of state cities) and #13968 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.