Is Quantico, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
93.3/100
Quantico, VA — Water Quality Report
Quantico's drinking water received a grade of A (93.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 650 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 6 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Quantico's water
Quantico ranks #29 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it above average 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, Quantico may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Quantico, VA water safe to drink?
Quantico's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (93.3/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 650 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Quantico
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Quantico's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93.3/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Quantico's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Quantico's water system has 6 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Prince William County has experienced 6 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 S F Quantico Creek, Aquia Creek.
Where does Quantico's water come from?
Quantico's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 650 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include S F Quantico Creek (river), Aquia Creek (river).
What Quantico 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.
Quantico'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 Quantico
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Quantico, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 31,208 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
U.S. MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO (ENTIRE FACILITY) QUANTICO, VA22134 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 25,386 | 1.5 mi |
U.S. NAVY NAVAL SUPPORT FACILITY INDIAN HEAD INDIAN HEAD, MD20640 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 3,534 | 6.9 mi |
POSSUM POINT POWER STATION DUMFRIES, VA22026 | Ammonia | 2,120 | 1.8 mi |
VIRGINIA CONCRETE DUMFRIES PLANT DUMFRIES, VA22026 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 168 | 3.6 mi |
TITAN VIRGINIA READY-MIX LLC-DUMFRIES PLANT DUMFRIES, VA22026 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Quantico
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.
- MARINE CORPS COMBAT DEVELOPMENT COMMAND0.1 mi
- INDIAN HEAD NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER7.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtPrince William 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
Prince William County has experienced 6 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 Quantico compares by contaminant
Explore where Quantico ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Quantico's water comes from
Quantico'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 650 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Quantico
Quantico is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Quantico
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| QUANTICO, TOWN OF | VA6153676 | 650 | SWP |
How Quantico compares
Full Virginia rankings →Quantico's score of 93.3/100 is above the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Quantico, VA
Wikipedia →Quantico is a town in southeastern Prince William County, Virginia, United States. The population was 578 at the 2020 census. Quantico is approximately 35 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., bounded by the Potomac River to the east and the Quantico Creek to the north. The word 'Quantico' is a corruption of the name of a Doeg village recorded by English colonists as Pamacocack.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Quantico's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Prince William
Frequently asked questions
Is Quantico, VA tap water safe to drink?
Quantico's water quality earned a grade of A (93.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #29 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Quantico's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 6 violations are on record.
How is Quantico'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 Quantico?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Quantico's water come from?
Quantico's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 650 residents.
How does Quantico's water compare to other cities?
Quantico ranks #29 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 87% of state cities) and #904 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Quantico's small water system affect quality?
Quantico's system serves approximately 650 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 6 violations on record.