Is New Market, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A with no contaminants above EPA limits. Here's everything we tested and how New Market ranks. What to do next ↓
94.8/100
waterverge.com New Market, VA — Water Quality Report
New Market's drinking water received a grade of A (94.8 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,274 residents using ground water under influence.
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 15 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
What to know about New Market's water
New Market ranks #15 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
New Market 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, New Market may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Market, VA water safe to drink?
Based on EPA testing data, New Market's tap water is generally safe to drink. The water system earned a grade of A (94.8/100), meeting federal drinking water standards across key contaminant categories. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,274 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Market
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Market's water quality assessment. Grade: A (94.8/100).
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.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Endrin, Fluoride, Cadmium.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Market's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Market's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. All violations have been resolved.
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, Linville Creek, War Branch Below Trib, Smith Creek, N F Shenandoah River.
Where does New Market's water come from?
New Market's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,274 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), Linville Creek (river), War Branch Below Trib (river), Smith Creek (river), N F Shenandoah River (river).
What New Market 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.
New Market'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 Market
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Market, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 201,800 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 | 0.1 mi |
VPGC LLC BROADWAY FEEDMIL BROADWAY, VA22815 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
CABINETWORKS GROUP - MOUNT JACKSON PLANT MOUNT JACKSON, VA22842 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
GEORGES FAMILY FARMS LLC MT JACKSON FEED MILL MOUNT JACKSON, VA22842 | — | — | 4.7 mi |
HOWELL METAL CO NEW MARKET, VA22844 | — | — | 1.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtShenandoah 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
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.
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 Market compares by contaminant
Explore where New Market ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Market's water comes from
New Market'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 2,274 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New Market
New Market is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Market
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW MARKET, TOWN OF | VA2171600 | 2,274 | GU |
How New Market compares
Full Virginia rankings →New Market's score of 94.8/100 is above the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About New Market, VA
Wikipedia →New Market is a town in Shenandoah County, Virginia, United States. Founded as a small crossroads trading town in the Shenandoah Valley, it has a population of 2,155 as of the most recent 2020 U.S. census. The north–south U.S. 11 and the east–west U.S. 211 pass near it and cross Massanutten Mountain at the town's titular gap.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Market's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Shenandoah
Frequently asked questions
Is New Market, VA tap water safe to drink?
New Market's water quality earned a grade of A (94.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #15 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in New Market's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is New Market'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 Market?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Market's water come from?
New Market's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,274 residents.
Is New Market's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Market 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 15 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 Market's water compare to other cities?
New Market ranks #15 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 93% of state cities) and #422 out of 15744 cities nationally (97th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New Market's small water system affect quality?
New Market's system serves approximately 2,274 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 15 violations on record.