Is New Castle, 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 ↓
88.8/100
waterverge.com New Castle, VA — Water Quality Report
New Castle's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,238 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 6 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about New Castle's water
New Castle ranks #77 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
New Castle 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, New Castle may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Castle, VA water safe to drink?
New Castle's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.8/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,238 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Castle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Castle's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4401). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Castle's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
New Castle's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 1 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Craig County has experienced 7 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 Johns Creek, Catawba Creek.
Where does New Castle's water come from?
New Castle's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,238 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Johns Creek (river), Catawba Creek (river).
What New Castle 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
New Castle'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 New Castle
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Castle, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 20 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ROANOKE CEMENT CO LLC TROUTVILLE, VA24175 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 20 | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCraig 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
Craig County has experienced 7 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 New Castle'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. | 5.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Castle compares by contaminant
Explore where New Castle ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Castle's water comes from
New Castle'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 1,238 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New Castle
New Castle is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Castle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRAIG-NEW CASTLE PSA | VA2045160 | 1,238 | GW |
How New Castle compares
Full Virginia rankings →New Castle's score of 88.8/100 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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Castle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Craig
Frequently asked questions
Is New Castle, VA tap water safe to drink?
New Castle's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #77 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in New Castle's water?
Lead was measured at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is New Castle'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 New Castle?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Castle's water come from?
New Castle's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,238 residents.
What health violations has New Castle's water system had?
New Castle has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is New Castle's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Castle 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 New Castle's water compare to other cities?
New Castle ranks #77 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 67% of state cities) and #3249 out of 15744 cities nationally (79th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New Castle's small water system affect quality?
New Castle's system serves approximately 1,238 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.