Is Stuart, 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 ↓
91/100
waterverge.com Stuart, VA — Water Quality Report
Stuart's drinking water received a grade of A (91 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,100 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 4.1 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 16 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Stuart's water
Stuart ranks #51 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it above average 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, Stuart may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Stuart, VA water safe to drink?
Stuart's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,100 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Stuart
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stuart's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4401). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Barium, 2,4-D, Mercury.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Stuart's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Stuart's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Patrick County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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 Dan River, South Mayo River, Smith River.
Where does Stuart's water come from?
Stuart's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,100 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Dan River (river), South Mayo River (river), Smith River (river).
What Stuart 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Stuart'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 droughtPatrick 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
Patrick County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1979. 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. | 4.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Stuart compares by contaminant
Explore where Stuart ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Stuart's water comes from
Stuart'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 2,100 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Stuart
Stuart is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Stuart
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STUART, TOWN OF | VA5141640 | 1,500 | SW |
| PATRICK COUNTY PSA | VA5141551 | 600 | SWP |
How Stuart compares
Full Virginia rankings →Stuart's score of 91/100 is above the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Stuart, VA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Stuart's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Patrick
Frequently asked questions
Is Stuart, VA tap water safe to drink?
Stuart's water quality earned a grade of A (91/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #51 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Stuart's water?
Lead was measured at 4.1 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Stuart'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 Stuart?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Stuart's water come from?
Stuart's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,100 residents.
How does Stuart's water compare to other cities?
Stuart ranks #51 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 78% of state cities) and #1937 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.