Is Sugar Grove, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
51.9/100
waterverge.com Sugar Grove, VA — Water Quality Report
Sugar Grove's drinking water received a grade of D+ (51.9 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,276 residents using ground water under influence.
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 74 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sugar Grove's water
Sugar Grove ranks #201 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Sugar Grove 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, Sugar Grove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 63 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sugar Grove, VA water safe to drink?
Sugar Grove's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,276 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sugar Grove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sugar Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51.9/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Thallium, Total, 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, Xylenes, Total.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3359). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sugar Grove's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sugar Grove's water system has 74 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 63 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Smyth County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1977. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Sugar Grove's water come from?
Sugar Grove's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,276 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Sugar Grove residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sugar Grove'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.
Sugar Grove'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 Sugar Grove
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sugar Grove, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
UTILITY TRAILER MANUFACTURING ATKINS, VA24311 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
WESTLAKE ROYAL BUILDING PRODUCTS MARION, VA24354 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSmyth 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
Smyth County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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 Sugar Grove compares by contaminant
Explore where Sugar Grove ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sugar Grove's water comes from
Sugar Grove'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,276 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Sugar Grove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RYE VALLEY WATER AUTHORITY | VA1173742 | 1,276 | GU |
How Sugar Grove compares
Full Virginia rankings →Sugar Grove's score of 51.9/100 is below the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Sugar Grove, VA
Wikipedia →Sugar Grove is a census-designated place (CDP) in Smyth County, Virginia, United States. The population was 610 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sugar Grove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Smyth
Frequently asked questions
Is Sugar Grove, VA tap water safe to drink?
Sugar Grove's water quality earned a grade of D+ (51.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #201 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Sugar Grove's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 74 violations are on record.
How is Sugar Grove'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 Sugar Grove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sugar Grove's water come from?
Sugar Grove's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,276 residents.
What health violations has Sugar Grove's water system had?
Sugar Grove has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sugar Grove's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sugar Grove 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 74 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 Sugar Grove's water compare to other cities?
Sugar Grove ranks #201 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 13% of state cities) and #12846 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sugar Grove's small water system affect quality?
Sugar Grove's system serves approximately 1,276 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 74 violations on record.