Is Suffolk, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 30 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
63/100
waterverge.com Suffolk, VA — Water Quality Report
Suffolk's drinking water received a grade of C (63 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 872 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 15.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 116 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
What to know about Suffolk's water
Suffolk ranks #191 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Suffolk 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Suffolk may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Suffolk, VA water safe to drink?
Suffolk's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 872 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Suffolk
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Suffolk's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Suffolk's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Suffolk's water system has 116 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Suffolk's water come from?
Suffolk's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 872 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nansemond River (stream).
What Suffolk residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Suffolk'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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 Suffolk
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Suffolk, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 15 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CAMERON CHEMICAL INC. SUFFOLK, VA23434 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 15 | 2.9 mi |
SOLENIS LLC SUFFOLK, VA23434 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
OLDCASTLE LAWN & GARDEN INC. SUFFOLK, VA23434 | — | — | 2.5 mi |
AIRGAS SPECIALTY PRODUCTS INC. SUFFOLK VA SUFFOLK, VA23434 | — | — | 2.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSouthampton 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Suffolk'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. | 15.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Suffolk compares by contaminant
Explore where Suffolk ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Suffolk's water comes from
Suffolk'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 872 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Suffolk
Suffolk is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Suffolk
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCOTTSWOOD | VA3175650 | 390 | GW |
| NOTTOWAY GARDENS | VA3175520 | 200 | GW |
| DARDEN`S MILL ESTATES | VA3175282 | 182 | GW |
| SCOTTLAND RIVERVIEW WATER SUPPLY | VA3181700 | 100 | GW |
How Suffolk compares
Full Virginia rankings →Suffolk's score of 63/100 is below the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Suffolk, VA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Suffolk's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Southampton
Frequently asked questions
Is Suffolk, VA tap water safe to drink?
Suffolk's water quality earned a grade of C (63/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #191 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Suffolk's water?
Lead was measured at 15.0 ppb (90th percentile). 116 violations are on record.
How is Suffolk'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 Suffolk?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Suffolk's water come from?
Suffolk's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 872 residents.
What health violations has Suffolk's water system had?
Suffolk has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 30 violations remain unresolved.
Is Suffolk's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Suffolk 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 116 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 Suffolk's water compare to other cities?
Suffolk ranks #191 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 17% of state cities) and #11818 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.