Is Virginia City, NV 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 ↓
88.4/100
waterverge.com Virginia City, NV — Water Quality Report
Virginia City's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,420 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 34 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Virginia City's water
Virginia City ranks #23 out of 66 cities in Nevada for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Virginia City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Virginia City, NV water safe to drink?
Virginia City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,420 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Virginia City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Virginia City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.4/100).
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 Virginia City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Virginia City's water system has 34 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Virginia City's water come from?
Virginia City's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,420 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Virginia City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Virginia City'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.
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 Virginia City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Virginia City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OZARK MATERIALS LLC AN INGEVITY CO DAYTON, NV89403 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
CARBOLINE GLOBAL INC. DAYTON, NV89403 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
3D CONCRETE - CARSON CITY CARSON CITY, NV89701 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
REDWOOD MATERIALS CARSON CITY, NV89706 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
TAIYO AMERICA INC CARSON CITY, NV89701 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Virginia City
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- CARSON RIVER MERCURY SITE6.1 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Virginia City compares by contaminant
Explore where Virginia City ranks among all Nevada cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Virginia City's water comes from
Virginia City'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 1,420 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Virginia City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| STOREY COUNTY WATER DISTRICT | NV0000240 | 1,420 | SW |
How Virginia City compares
Full Nevada rankings →Virginia City's score of 88.4/100 is above the average of 57/100 among major Nevada cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Nevada rankings →About Virginia City, NV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Virginia City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Storey
Frequently asked questions
Is Virginia City, NV tap water safe to drink?
Virginia City's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #23 out of 66 cities tested in Nevada.
What contaminants are in Virginia City's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 34 violations are on record.
How is Virginia City'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 Virginia City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Virginia City's water come from?
Virginia City's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,420 residents.
What health violations has Virginia City's water system had?
Virginia City has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Virginia City's water compare to other cities?
Virginia City ranks #23 out of 66 cities in Nevada (better than 65% of state cities) and #3472 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Virginia City's small water system affect quality?
Virginia City's system serves approximately 1,420 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 34 violations on record.