Is Onancock, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.2/100
waterverge.com Onancock, VA — Water Quality Report
Onancock's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,695 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 50 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Onancock's water
Onancock ranks #100 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Onancock 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, Onancock may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Onancock, VA water safe to drink?
Onancock's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,695 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Onancock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Onancock's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Onancock's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Onancock's water system has 50 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Accomack 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.
Where does Onancock's water come from?
Onancock's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,695 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Onancock 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.
Onancock'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 Onancock
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Onancock, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 455,342 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PERDUE FOODS LLC - ACCOMAC PROCESSING PLANT ACCOMAC, VA23301 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 455,342 | 5.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtAccomack 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
Accomack 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Onancock compares by contaminant
Explore where Onancock ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Onancock's water comes from
Onancock'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 1,695 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Onancock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ONANCOCK, TOWN OF | VA3001620 | 1,525 | GW |
| ROLLING ACRES SUBDIVISION | VA3001745 | 170 | GW |
How Onancock compares
Full Virginia rankings →Onancock's score of 86.2/100 is on par with the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Onancock, VA
Wikipedia →Onancock is a town in Accomack County, Virginia, United States. As of the 2020 census, Onancock had a population of 1,169.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Onancock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Accomack
Frequently asked questions
Is Onancock, VA tap water safe to drink?
Onancock's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #100 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Onancock's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 50 violations are on record.
How is Onancock'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 Onancock?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Onancock's water come from?
Onancock's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,695 residents.
What health violations has Onancock's water system had?
Onancock has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Onancock's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Onancock 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 50 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 Onancock's water compare to other cities?
Onancock ranks #100 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 57% of state cities) and #4861 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.