Is New Kent, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.4/100
waterverge.com New Kent, VA — Water Quality Report
New Kent's drinking water received a grade of B (79.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 11 water systems serve approximately 16,092 residents using groundwater.
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 39 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Kent's water
New Kent ranks #151 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
New Kent 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 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Kent, VA water safe to drink?
New Kent's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 11 water systems serve approximately 16,092 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Kent
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Kent's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4411). 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 Kent's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Kent's water system has 39 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
New Kent County has experienced 10 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 Chickahominy River.
Where does New Kent's water come from?
New Kent's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 11 water systems serving approximately 16,092 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chickahominy River (river).
What New Kent residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Kent'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.
New Kent'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtNew Kent 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
New Kent County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Kent compares by contaminant
Explore where New Kent ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Kent's water comes from
New Kent'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 16,092 people through 11 water systems.
Water bodies near New Kent
New Kent is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Kent
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CENTRAL WATER SYSTEM | VA4127190 | 7,864 | GW |
| NEW KENT COURTHOUSE | VA4127530 | 3,187 | GW |
| BOTTOMS BRIDGE | VA4127200 | 2,510 | GW |
| PARHAM LANDING | VA4127570 | 561 | GW |
| THE COLONIES | VA4127115 | 548 | GW |
| WOOD`S EDGE | VA4127900 | 488 | GW |
| CUMBERLAND HOSPITAL | VA4127141 | 350 | GW |
| MINITREE GLEN | VA4127450 | 165 | GW |
| WHITEHOUSE FARMS | VA4127885 | 165 | GW |
| QUINTON PARK SUBDIVISION | VA4127635 | 147 | GW |
| SHERWOOD ESTATES | VA4127800 | 107 | GW |
How New Kent compares
Full Virginia rankings →New Kent's score of 79.4/100 is below the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About New Kent, VA
Wikipedia →New Kent is a census-designated place (CDP) in and the county seat of New Kent County, Virginia, United States. The population as of the 2020 Census was 739.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Kent's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across New Kent
Frequently asked questions
Is New Kent, VA tap water safe to drink?
New Kent's water quality earned a grade of B (79.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #151 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in New Kent's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 39 violations are on record.
How is New Kent'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 Kent?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Kent's water come from?
New Kent's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 11 water systems serving approximately 16,092 residents.
What health violations has New Kent's water system had?
New Kent has 12 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Kent's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Kent 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 39 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 Kent's water compare to other cities?
New Kent ranks #151 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 34% of state cities) and #8260 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.