Is Pooler, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
62.1/100
waterverge.com Pooler, VA — Water Quality Report
Pooler's drinking water received a grade of C (62.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,404 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 16.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 65 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pooler's water
Pooler ranks #193 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Pooler 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Pooler may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pooler, VA water safe to drink?
Pooler's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,404 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pooler
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pooler's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62.1/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Nitrate-Nitrite.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pooler's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Pooler's water system has 65 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Pooler's water come from?
Pooler's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,404 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. 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 Pooler residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pooler'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Pooler's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 16.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pooler compares by contaminant
Explore where Pooler ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pooler's water comes from
Pooler'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,404 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Pooler
Pooler is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pooler
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASSAU WOODS MOBILE HOME PARK | GA0510089 | 772 | GW |
| SAVANNAH PINES MOBILE HOME PARK | GA0510051 | 632 | GW |
How Pooler compares
Full Virginia rankings →Pooler's score of 62.1/100 is below the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Pooler, 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 Pooler's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Chatham
Frequently asked questions
Is Pooler, VA tap water safe to drink?
Pooler's water quality earned a grade of C (62.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #193 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Pooler's water?
Lead was measured at 16.0 ppb (90th percentile). 65 violations are on record.
How is Pooler'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 Pooler?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pooler's water come from?
Pooler's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,404 residents.
Is Pooler's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pooler 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 65 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 Pooler's water compare to other cities?
Pooler ranks #193 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 16% of state cities) and #11921 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.