Is Rich Creek, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.6/100
waterverge.com Rich Creek, VA — Water Quality Report
Rich Creek's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 960 residents using gup.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 83 violations on record, including 52 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rich Creek's water
Rich Creek ranks #113 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
As a small community water system, Rich Creek may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rich Creek, VA water safe to drink?
Rich Creek's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (84.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 960 residents using gup.
Recent water quality updates for Rich Creek
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rich Creek's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.6/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Rich Creek's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rich Creek's water system has 83 total violations on record, including 52 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Giles County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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 Walker Creek, Wolf Creek, New River, East River, Indian Creek.
Where does Rich Creek's water come from?
Rich Creek's drinking water comes from gup, supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 960 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Walker Creek (river), Wolf Creek (river), New River (river), East River (river), Indian Creek (river).
What Rich Creek 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.
Rich Creek'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 Rich Creek
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rich Creek, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 61,016 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CELANESE ACETATE LLC - CELCO PLANT NARROWS, VA24124 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 60,568 | 4.3 mi |
LHOIST NA OF VIRGINIA INC KIMBALLTON AREA 1 RIPPLEMEAD, VA24150 | Lead compounds | 448 | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtGiles 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
Giles County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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. | 1.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rich Creek compares by contaminant
Explore where Rich Creek ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rich Creek's water comes from
Rich Creek's water comes from groundwater under the direct influence of surface water, a designation that requires the same treatment rigor as surface water systems.
This source type is vulnerable to both surface contamination pathways and naturally occurring underground contaminants.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 960 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rich Creek
Rich Creek is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rich Creek
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICH CREEK, TOWN OF | VA1071700 | 960 | GUP |
How Rich Creek compares
Full Virginia rankings →Rich Creek's score of 84.6/100 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 Rich Creek, VA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rich Creek's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Giles
Frequently asked questions
Is Rich Creek, VA tap water safe to drink?
Rich Creek's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #113 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Rich Creek's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 83 violations are on record.
How is Rich Creek'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 Rich Creek?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rich Creek's water come from?
Rich Creek's water is sourced from GUP. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 960 residents.
What health violations has Rich Creek's water system had?
Rich Creek has 52 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Rich Creek's water compare to other cities?
Rich Creek ranks #113 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 51% of state cities) and #5794 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rich Creek's small water system affect quality?
Rich Creek's system serves approximately 960 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 83 violations on record.