Is Urbanna, 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 ↓
88/100
waterverge.com Urbanna, VA — Water Quality Report
Urbanna's drinking water received a grade of A- (88 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 924 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 20 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Urbanna's water
Urbanna ranks #88 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Urbanna 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, Urbanna may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Urbanna, VA water safe to drink?
Urbanna's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 924 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Urbanna
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Urbanna's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Urbanna's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Urbanna's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Middlesex County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Dragon Swamp.
Where does Urbanna's water come from?
Urbanna's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 924 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Dragon Swamp (river).
What Urbanna residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Urbanna'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.
Urbanna'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
D2 — severe droughtMiddlesex 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
Middlesex County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Urbanna compares by contaminant
Explore where Urbanna ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Urbanna's water comes from
Urbanna'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 924 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Urbanna
Urbanna is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Urbanna
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWN OF URBANNA | VA4119800 | 800 | GW |
| KILMERS POINT | VA4119515 | 66 | GW |
| URBANNA HARBOUR, LLC | VA4119790 | 58 | GW |
How Urbanna compares
Full Virginia rankings →Urbanna's score of 88/100 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 Urbanna, VA
Wikipedia →Urbanna is a town in Middlesex County, Virginia, United States. Urbanna means “City of Anne” and was named in honor of England's Queen Anne. As of the 2020 census, Urbanna had a population of 492.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Urbanna's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Middlesex
Frequently asked questions
Is Urbanna, VA tap water safe to drink?
Urbanna's water quality earned a grade of A- (88/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #88 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Urbanna's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Urbanna'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 Urbanna?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Urbanna's water come from?
Urbanna's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 924 residents.
What health violations has Urbanna's water system had?
Urbanna has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Urbanna's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Urbanna 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 20 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 Urbanna's water compare to other cities?
Urbanna ranks #88 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 62% of state cities) and #3728 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.