Is Virginia Gardens, FL Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.6/100
waterverge.com Virginia Gardens, FL — Water Quality Report
Virginia Gardens's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,472 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 9 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Virginia Gardens's water
Virginia Gardens ranks #83 out of 388 cities in Florida for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Virginia Gardens purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Virginia Gardens may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Virginia Gardens, FL water safe to drink?
Virginia Gardens's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,472 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Virginia Gardens
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Virginia Gardens's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4834). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3622). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Virginia Gardens's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Virginia Gardens's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Miami-Dade County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. 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 C-8 Canal, C-7 Canal, N.W. Wellfield Canal Nr Dade Broward Levee Nr Penn, Tamiami Canal, Snapper Crk Canal Upstream Of S-22.
Where does Virginia Gardens's water come from?
Virginia Gardens's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,472 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include C-8 Canal (stream), C-7 Canal (river), N.W. Wellfield Canal Nr Dade Broward Levee Nr Penn (stream), Tamiami Canal (stream), Snapper Crk Canal Upstream Of S-22 (stream).
What Virginia Gardens residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Virginia Gardens'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.
Virginia Gardens'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 Virginia Gardens
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Virginia Gardens, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
USPHARMA LTD. MIAMI LAKES, FL33014 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
KINGSPAN INSULATION (FORMERLY DYPLAST PRODUCTS LLC) OPA LOCKA, FL33054 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
GOODRICH CORP OPA LOCKA, FL33056 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
INVINCIBLE BOAT CO OPA LOCKA, FL33054 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
CEMEX DOWNTOWN MIAMI MIAMI, FL33136 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Virginia Gardens
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.
- MIAMI DRUM SERVICES2.1 mi
- AIRCO PLATING CO2.6 mi
- PEPPER STEEL ALLOYS INC5.6 mi
- CONTINENTAL CLEANERS5.6 mi
- ANODYNE INC9.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtMiami-Dade 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
Miami-Dade County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2016. 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. | 1.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Virginia Gardens compares by contaminant
Explore where Virginia Gardens ranks among all Florida cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Virginia Gardens's water comes from
Virginia Gardens purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Virginia Gardens's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,472 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Virginia Gardens
Virginia Gardens is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Virginia Gardens
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VIRGINIA GARDENS, VILLAGE OF | FL4131531 | 2,472 | GWP |
How Virginia Gardens compares
Full Florida rankings →Virginia Gardens's score of 86.6/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Florida cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Florida rankings →About Virginia Gardens, FL
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Virginia Gardens's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Miami-Dade
Frequently asked questions
Is Virginia Gardens, FL tap water safe to drink?
Virginia Gardens's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #83 out of 388 cities tested in Florida.
What contaminants are in Virginia Gardens's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Virginia Gardens'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 Gardens?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Virginia Gardens's water come from?
Virginia Gardens's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,472 residents.
Is Virginia Gardens's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Virginia Gardens 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 9 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 Virginia Gardens's water compare to other cities?
Virginia Gardens ranks #83 out of 388 cities in Florida (better than 79% of state cities) and #4602 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Virginia Gardens's small water system affect quality?
Virginia Gardens's system serves approximately 2,472 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 9 violations on record.