Is Saluda, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.6/100
waterverge.com Saluda, VA — Water Quality Report
Saluda's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,628 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 1 violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Saluda's water
Saluda ranks #105 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Saluda 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, Saluda may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Saluda, VA water safe to drink?
Saluda's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,628 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Saluda
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Saluda's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4411). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Saluda's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Saluda's water system has 1 total violation on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Middlesex County has experienced 10 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 Dragon Swamp.
Where does Saluda's water come from?
Saluda's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,628 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Dragon Swamp (river).
What Saluda 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.
Saluda'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 droughtMiddlesex 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
Middlesex County has experienced 10 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Saluda compares by contaminant
Explore where Saluda ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Saluda's water comes from
Saluda'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 1,628 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Saluda
Saluda is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Saluda
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIDDLESEX WATER AUTHORITY | VA4119587 | 1,628 | GW |
How Saluda compares
Full Virginia rankings →Saluda's score of 85.6/100 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 Saluda, VA
Wikipedia →Saluda is a census-designated place (CDP) in and the county seat of Middlesex County, Virginia, United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Saluda's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Middlesex
Frequently asked questions
Is Saluda, VA tap water safe to drink?
Saluda's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #105 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Saluda's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1 violation is on record.
How is Saluda'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 Saluda?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Saluda's water come from?
Saluda's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,628 residents.
Is Saluda's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Saluda 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 1 violation 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 Saluda's water compare to other cities?
Saluda ranks #105 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 54% of state cities) and #5220 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Saluda's small water system affect quality?
Saluda's system serves approximately 1,628 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 1 violation on record.