Is Newport News, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.3/100
waterverge.com Newport News, VA — Water Quality Report
Newport News's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 529 residents using purchased surface water.
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 32 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Newport News's water
Newport News ranks #83 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Newport News may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Newport News, VA water safe to drink?
Newport News's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 529 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Newport News
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Newport News's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.3/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Newport News's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Newport News's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Newport News's water come from?
Newport News's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 529 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Brick Kiln Creek Below Route 172 (stream), Newmarket Creek (stream), Elizabeth Riv (stream), Wb Elizabeth River (stream), Hampton River (stream).
What Newport News residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Newport News'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.
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 Newport News
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Newport News, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3,843 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HUNTINGTON INGALLS INC NEWPORT NEWS, VA23607 | Zinc compounds | 3,773 | 7.7 mi |
SMITHFIELD FRESH MEATS CORP SMITHFIELD, VA FACILITY SMITHFIELD, VA23430 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 70 | 8.1 mi |
U.S. DOD, USAF, JOINT BASE LANGLEY EUSTIS - LANGLEY AFB LANGLEY AFB, VA23665 | Naphthalene | 0 | 8.1 mi |
TCS MATERIALS NEWPORT NEWS NEWPORT NEWS, VA23608 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
JOINT BASE LANGLEY EUSTIS-EUSTIS (JBLE-EUSTIS) RANGES FORT EUSTIS, VA23604 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Newport News
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- FORT EUSTIS US ARMY3.2 mi
- CHISMAN CREEK7.7 mi
- LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE NASA LANGLEY RESEARCH CENTER9.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBotetourt 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.
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 Newport News compares by contaminant
Explore where Newport News ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Newport News's water comes from
Newport News's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 529 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Newport News
Newport News is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Newport News
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HOLLINS MOBILE HOME PARK | VA2023420 | 267 | SWP |
| MOBILE ESTATES | VA3095700 | 150 | GW |
| POOLES MOBILE HOME PARK | VA3181650 | 112 | GW |
How Newport News compares
Full Virginia rankings →Newport News's score of 88.3/100 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 Newport News, VA
Wikipedia →Newport News is an independent city in southeastern Virginia, United States. At the 2020 census, the population was 186,247. Located in the Hampton Roads region, it is the fifth-most populous city in Virginia and 140th-most populous city in the United States. The city is at the southeastern end of the Virginia Peninsula, on the northern shore of the James River to the river's mouth on the harbor of Hampton Roads.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Newport News's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Botetourt
Frequently asked questions
Is Newport News, VA tap water safe to drink?
Newport News's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #83 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Newport News's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Newport News'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 Newport News?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Newport News's water come from?
Newport News's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 529 residents.
What health violations has Newport News's water system had?
Newport News has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Newport News's water compare to other cities?
Newport News ranks #83 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 64% of state cities) and #3559 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.