Is Richmond, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 47 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Richmond, VA — Water Quality Report
Richmond's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 12 water systems serve approximately 2,925 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 282 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 47 remain unresolved.
What to know about Richmond's water
Richmond ranks #205 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Richmond may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 54 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Richmond, VA water safe to drink?
Richmond's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 12 water systems serve approximately 2,925 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Richmond
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Richmond's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Richmond's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Richmond's water system has 282 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 47 remain unresolved. 54 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Richmond's water come from?
Richmond's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 12 water systems serving approximately 2,925 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include James River And Kanawha Canal (stream), James River (river), Little Westham Creek (river), Fourmile Creek (river), Waterfront Lake (lake).
What Richmond residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Richmond'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.
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 Richmond
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Richmond, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 77,364 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DUPONT SPECIALTY PRODUCTS USA LLC - SPRUANCE PLANT NORTH CHESTERFIELD, VA23234 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 77,321 | 5.8 mi |
MYLAR SPECIALTY FILMS SPRUANCE RICHMOND, VA23234 | Toluene | 40 | 5.8 mi |
KINDER MORGAN TRANSMIX CO LLC RICHMOND, VA23234 | Xylene (mixed isomers) | 3 | 4.5 mi |
OLDCASTLE APG MID-ATLANTIC RICHMOND VA RICHMOND, VA23237 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 9.7 mi |
MECHANICSVILLE CONCRETE LLC-AIRPORT PLANT (OAKLEYS LANE) HENRICO, VA23231 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Richmond
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.
- RENTOKIL INC VIRGINIA WOOD PRESERVING DIVISION7.4 mi
- DEFENSE GENERAL SUPPLY CENTER DLA7.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtGoochland 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.
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 Richmond compares by contaminant
Explore where Richmond ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Richmond's water comes from
Richmond'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,925 people through 12 water systems.
Water bodies near Richmond
Richmond is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Richmond
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOUNDERS BRIDGE | VA4145200 | 980 | SWP |
| TILMANS FARM | VA4145820 | 437 | GW |
| CEDAR CREST | VA4101097 | 338 | GW |
| SHADY OAKS MOBILE HOME PARK | TX0720021 | 297 | GW |
| TOWN AND COUNTRY ESTATES | PA2080019 | 200 | GW |
| SCOTS LANDING | VA4085744 | 183 | GW |
| PAISANO MOBILE HOME PARK | TX1250017 | 146 | GW |
| SWAN LAKE MOBILE ESTATES | MI0040027 | 100 | GW |
| EASTBROOK MOBILE HOME COURT | VA5031305 | 96 | GW |
| BRAXTONS LANDING | VA4101060 | 65 | GW |
| TREVORS BEND | VA4036860 | 48 | GW |
| RIVER OAKS | VA4075680 | 35 | GW |
How Richmond compares
Full Virginia rankings →Richmond's score of 49/100 is below the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Richmond, VA
Wikipedia →Richmond is the capital city of the U.S. state of Virginia. Incorporated in 1742, Richmond has been an independent city since 1871. It is the fourth-most populous city in Virginia, with a population of 226,610 at the 2020 census. The Richmond metropolitan area, with over 1.37 million residents, is the third-most populous metropolitan area in Virginia and 44th-largest in the United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Richmond's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Powhatan
Frequently asked questions
Is Richmond, VA tap water safe to drink?
Richmond's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #205 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Richmond's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 282 violations are on record.
How is Richmond'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 Richmond?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Richmond's water come from?
Richmond's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 12 water systems serving approximately 2,925 residents.
What health violations has Richmond's water system had?
Richmond has 16 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. 47 violations remain unresolved.
How does Richmond's water compare to other cities?
Richmond ranks #205 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 11% of state cities) and #13330 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.