Is Stanardsville, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Stanardsville, VA — Water Quality Report
Stanardsville's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 2,336 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 307 violations on record, including 34 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
What to know about Stanardsville's water
Stanardsville ranks #212 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Stanardsville 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, Stanardsville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Stanardsville, VA water safe to drink?
Stanardsville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 2,336 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Stanardsville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stanardsville's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4092). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Stanardsville'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
Stanardsville's water system has 307 total violations on record, including 34 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Greene County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1985. 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 Rapidan River, N F Rivanna River.
Where does Stanardsville's water come from?
Stanardsville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 2,336 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Rapidan River (river), N F Rivanna River (river).
What Stanardsville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stanardsville'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.
Stanardsville'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
D3 — extreme droughtAlbemarle 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
Greene County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1985. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Stanardsville'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. | 1.97 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Stanardsville compares by contaminant
Explore where Stanardsville ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Stanardsville's water comes from
Stanardsville'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 2,336 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Stanardsville
Stanardsville is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Stanardsville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNTAIN LAKES WATER COMPANY | VA2079590 | 2,141 | GW |
| SKYLINE COURT APARTMENTS | VA2003175 | 50 | GW |
| IVY FARMS | VA2003355 | 45 | GW |
| RIPPIN RUN SUBDIVISION | VA2079770 | 40 | SWP |
| HAPPY HILLS SUBDIVISION | VA6113160 | 35 | GW |
| COPELEY FIELDS SUBDIVISION | VA6113115 | 25 | GW |
How Stanardsville compares
Full Virginia rankings →Stanardsville's score of 46/100 is below the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Stanardsville, VA
Wikipedia →Stanardsville is a town in Greene County, Virginia, United States. The population was 349 at the 2020 census, down from 367 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Greene County. The name is from Robert Stanard, a benefactor who donated land for public use. It is part of the Charlottesville, Virginia metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Stanardsville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Greene
Frequently asked questions
Is Stanardsville, VA tap water safe to drink?
Stanardsville's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #212 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Stanardsville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 307 violations are on record.
How is Stanardsville'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 Stanardsville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Stanardsville's water come from?
Stanardsville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 2,336 residents.
What health violations has Stanardsville's water system had?
Stanardsville has 34 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 30 violations remain unresolved.
Is Stanardsville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Stanardsville 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 307 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 Stanardsville's water compare to other cities?
Stanardsville ranks #212 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 8% of state cities) and #14011 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.