Is Rappahannock Academy, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.3/100
waterverge.com Rappahannock Academy, VA — Water Quality Report
Rappahannock Academy's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,065 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.6 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 102 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rappahannock Academy's water
Rappahannock Academy ranks #148 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Rappahannock Academy 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, Rappahannock Academy may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rappahannock Academy, VA water safe to drink?
Rappahannock Academy's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,065 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rappahannock Academy
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rappahannock Academy's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.3/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3359). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rappahannock Academy's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rappahannock Academy's water system has 102 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Caroline County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Mattaponi River.
Where does Rappahannock Academy's water come from?
Rappahannock Academy's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,065 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mattaponi River (river).
What Rappahannock Academy residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rappahannock Academy'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.
Rappahannock Academy'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCaroline 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
Caroline County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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. | 4.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rappahannock Academy compares by contaminant
Explore where Rappahannock Academy ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rappahannock Academy's water comes from
Rappahannock Academy'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 2,065 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rappahannock Academy
Rappahannock Academy is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rappahannock Academy
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOUR WINDS CAMPGROUND | VA6033249 | 2,065 | GW |
How Rappahannock Academy compares
Full Virginia rankings →Rappahannock Academy's score of 80.3/100 is on par with the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Rappahannock Academy, VA
Wikipedia →Fredericksburg is an independent city in Virginia, United States. The population was 27,982 at the 2020 census. It is 48 miles (77 km) south of Washington, D.C., and 53 miles (85 km) north of Richmond. The Bureau of Economic Analysis combines the city with neighboring Spotsylvania County for statistical purposes.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rappahannock Academy's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Caroline
Frequently asked questions
Is Rappahannock Academy, VA tap water safe to drink?
Rappahannock Academy's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #148 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Rappahannock Academy's water?
Lead was measured at 4.6 ppb (90th percentile). 102 violations are on record.
How is Rappahannock Academy'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 Rappahannock Academy?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rappahannock Academy's water come from?
Rappahannock Academy's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,065 residents.
What health violations has Rappahannock Academy's water system had?
Rappahannock Academy has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rappahannock Academy's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rappahannock Academy 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 102 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 Rappahannock Academy's water compare to other cities?
Rappahannock Academy ranks #148 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 36% of state cities) and #7925 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rappahannock Academy's small water system affect quality?
Rappahannock Academy's system serves approximately 2,065 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 102 violations on record.