Is Saltville, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86.7/100
waterverge.com Saltville, VA — Water Quality Report
Saltville's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,204 residents using groundwater.
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 8 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Saltville's water
Saltville ranks #99 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Saltville 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, Saltville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Saltville, VA water safe to drink?
Saltville's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,204 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Saltville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Saltville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Saltville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Saltville's water system has 8 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Smyth 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. Local water sources include S F Holston River, M F Holston River, N F Holston River.
Where does Saltville's water come from?
Saltville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,204 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include S F Holston River (river), M F Holston River (river), N F Holston River (river).
What Saltville 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.
Saltville'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 Saltville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Saltville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
APPALACHIAN PLASTICS INC. GLADE SPRING, VA24340 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
UTILITY TRAILER MANUFACTURING GLADE SPRING, VA24340 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Saltville
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.
- SALTVILLE WASTE DISPOSAL PONDS1.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSmyth 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
Smyth 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Saltville's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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 |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.36 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.360 mg/L (2024)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Saltville compares by contaminant
Explore where Saltville ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Saltville's water comes from
Saltville'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 2,204 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Saltville
Saltville is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Saltville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SALTVILLE, TOWN OF | VA1173723 | 2,204 | GW |
How Saltville compares
Full Virginia rankings →Saltville's score of 86.7/100 is on par with the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Saltville, VA
Wikipedia →Saltville is a town in Smyth and Washington counties in the U.S. state of Virginia. The population was 1,824 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Kingsport–Bristol (TN)–Bristol (VA) Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is a component of the Johnson City–Kingsport–Bristol, TN-VA Combined Statistical Area – commonly known as the "Tri-Cities" region.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Saltville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Smyth
Frequently asked questions
Is Saltville, VA tap water safe to drink?
Saltville's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #99 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Saltville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 8 violations are on record.
How is Saltville'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 Saltville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Saltville's water come from?
Saltville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,204 residents.
Is Saltville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Saltville 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 8 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 Saltville's water compare to other cities?
Saltville ranks #99 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 57% of state cities) and #4524 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Saltville's small water system affect quality?
Saltville's system serves approximately 2,204 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 8 violations on record.