Is Tappahannock, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.8/100
waterverge.com Tappahannock, VA — Water Quality Report
Tappahannock's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,405 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.3 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 21 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tappahannock's water
Tappahannock ranks #76 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Tappahannock 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, Tappahannock may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tappahannock, VA water safe to drink?
Tappahannock's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,405 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tappahannock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tappahannock's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.8/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4411). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tappahannock's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Tappahannock's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Essex 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 Piscataway Creek.
Where does Tappahannock's water come from?
Tappahannock's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,405 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Piscataway Creek (river).
What Tappahannock residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tappahannock'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.
Tappahannock'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 Tappahannock
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tappahannock, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 65 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STELLA-JONES CORP WARSAW, VA22572 | Chromium and Chromium Compounds(except for chromite ore mined in the Transvaal Region) | 65 | 7.6 mi |
DOMINION - NORTHERN NECK COMBUSTION TURBINE STATIO WARSAW, VA22572 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtEssex 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
Essex 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. | 4.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tappahannock compares by contaminant
Explore where Tappahannock ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tappahannock's water comes from
Tappahannock'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 2,405 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Tappahannock
Tappahannock is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tappahannock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAPPAHANNOCK, TOWN OF | VA4057800 | 2,375 | GW |
| COLEMANS ISLAND | VA4057200 | 30 | GW |
How Tappahannock compares
Full Virginia rankings →Tappahannock's score of 88.8/100 is on par with the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Tappahannock, VA
Wikipedia →Tappahannock is the oldest town in Essex County, Virginia, United States. As of the 2020 census, Tappahannock had a population of 2,193. Located on the Rappahannock River, Tappahannock is the county seat of Essex County. Its name comes from an Algonquian language word lappihanne, meaning "Town on the rise and fall of water" or "where the tide ebbs and flows." The Rappahannock is a tidal estuary from above this point and downriver to its mouth on Chesapeake Bay.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tappahannock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Essex
Frequently asked questions
Is Tappahannock, VA tap water safe to drink?
Tappahannock's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #76 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Tappahannock's water?
Lead was measured at 4.3 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Tappahannock'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 Tappahannock?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tappahannock's water come from?
Tappahannock's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,405 residents.
What health violations has Tappahannock's water system had?
Tappahannock has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tappahannock's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tappahannock 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 21 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 Tappahannock's water compare to other cities?
Tappahannock ranks #76 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 67% of state cities) and #3236 out of 15744 cities nationally (80th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.