Is Parksley, 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 ↓
83.7/100
waterverge.com Parksley, VA — Water Quality Report
Parksley's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,109 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 100 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Parksley's water
Parksley ranks #123 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Parksley 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, Parksley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Parksley, VA water safe to drink?
Parksley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,109 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Parksley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Parksley's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Parksley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Parksley's water system has 100 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 3 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. Local water sources include Starling Creek.
Where does Parksley's water come from?
Parksley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,109 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Starling Creek (stream).
What Parksley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Parksley'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.
Parksley'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 Parksley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Parksley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 496,279 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 | 3.7 mi |
TYSON FARMS INC-TEMPERANCEVILLE TEMPERANCEVILLE, VA23442 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 40,937 | 8.7 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Parksley compares by contaminant
Explore where Parksley ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Parksley's water comes from
Parksley'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 1,109 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Parksley
Parksley is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Parksley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PARKSLEY, TOWN OF | VA3001660 | 804 | GW |
| ACCOMACK MANOR | VA3001028 | 155 | GW |
| SHORE HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTER | VA3001031 | 150 | GW |
How Parksley compares
Full Virginia rankings →Parksley's score of 83.7/100 is on par with the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Parksley, VA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Parksley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Accomack
Frequently asked questions
Is Parksley, VA tap water safe to drink?
Parksley's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #123 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Parksley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 100 violations are on record.
How is Parksley'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 Parksley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Parksley's water come from?
Parksley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,109 residents.
What health violations has Parksley's water system had?
Parksley has 20 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 Parksley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Parksley 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 100 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 Parksley's water compare to other cities?
Parksley ranks #123 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 47% of state cities) and #6306 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.