Is Stephens City, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.1/100
waterverge.com Stephens City, VA — Water Quality Report
Stephens City's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,967 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 17 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Stephens City's water
Stephens City ranks #108 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Stephens City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Stephens City, VA water safe to drink?
Stephens City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,967 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Stephens City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stephens City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.1/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). 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 Stephens City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Stephens City's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Frederick County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 Hogue Creek, Opequon Creek, Dry Marsh Run, N F Shenandoah River, Cedar Creek.
Where does Stephens City's water come from?
Stephens City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,967 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Hogue Creek (river), Opequon Creek (river), Dry Marsh Run (river), N F Shenandoah River (river), Cedar Creek (river).
What Stephens City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stephens City'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.
Stephens City'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 Stephens City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Stephens City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
APG MID-ATLANTIC - WINCHESTER WINCHESTER, VA22603 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 9.3 mi |
O'SULLIVAN FILMS INC WINCHESTER, VA22601 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
HP HOOD LLC WINCHESTER, VA22602 | — | — | 2.8 mi |
DARLING INGREDIENTS INC-WINCHESTER FACILITY WINCHESTER, VA22603 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
TREX - VIRGINIA MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS WINCHESTER, VA22602 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtFrederick 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
Frederick County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 Stephens City compares by contaminant
Explore where Stephens City ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Stephens City's water comes from
Stephens City'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,967 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Stephens City
Stephens City 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 Stephens City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STEPHENS CITY, TOWN OF | VA2069634 | 1,967 | SWP |
How Stephens City compares
Full Virginia rankings →Stephens City's score of 85.1/100 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 Stephens City, VA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Stephens City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Frederick
Frequently asked questions
Is Stephens City, VA tap water safe to drink?
Stephens City's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #108 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Stephens City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.
How is Stephens City'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 Stephens City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Stephens City's water come from?
Stephens City's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,967 residents.
How does Stephens City's water compare to other cities?
Stephens City ranks #108 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 53% of state cities) and #5507 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Stephens City's small water system affect quality?
Stephens City's system serves approximately 1,967 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 17 violations on record.