Is Rural Retreat, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.1/100
waterverge.com Rural Retreat, VA — Water Quality Report
Rural Retreat's drinking water received a grade of A (91.1 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,500 residents using ground water under influence.
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 26 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rural Retreat's water
Rural Retreat ranks #48 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Rural Retreat 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, Rural Retreat may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rural Retreat, VA water safe to drink?
Rural Retreat's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,500 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rural Retreat
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rural Retreat's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.1/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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.
Contaminants: DICHLOROMETHANE, o-Dichlorobenzene, p-Dichlorobenzene.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rural Retreat's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rural Retreat's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wythe County has experienced 5 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.
Where does Rural Retreat's water come from?
Rural Retreat's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,500 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Rural Retreat 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.
Rural Retreat'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 Rural Retreat
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rural Retreat, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
UTILITY TRAILER MANUFACTURING ATKINS, VA24311 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
WESTLAKE ROYAL BUILDING PRODUCTS MARION, VA24354 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
COPERION CORP WYTHEVILLE, VA24382 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtWythe County is currently in D3 (extreme 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
Wythe County has experienced 5 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rural Retreat compares by contaminant
Explore where Rural Retreat ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rural Retreat's water comes from
Rural Retreat'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 2,500 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Rural Retreat
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RURAL RETREAT, TOWN OF | VA1197700 | 2,500 | GU |
How Rural Retreat compares
Full Virginia rankings →Rural Retreat's score of 91.1/100 is above the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Rural Retreat, VA
Wikipedia →Rural Retreat is a town in Wythe County, Virginia, United States. As of the 2020 census, Rural Retreat had a population of 1,546.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rural Retreat's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wythe
Frequently asked questions
Is Rural Retreat, VA tap water safe to drink?
Rural Retreat's water quality earned a grade of A (91.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #48 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Rural Retreat's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Rural Retreat'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 Rural Retreat?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rural Retreat's water come from?
Rural Retreat's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,500 residents.
What health violations has Rural Retreat's water system had?
Rural Retreat has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rural Retreat's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rural Retreat 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 26 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 Rural Retreat's water compare to other cities?
Rural Retreat ranks #48 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 79% of state cities) and #1868 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rural Retreat's small water system affect quality?
Rural Retreat's system serves approximately 2,500 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 26 violations on record.