Is Wakefield, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91.4/100
waterverge.com Wakefield, VA — Water Quality Report
Wakefield's drinking water received a grade of A (91.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,116 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.5 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 15 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wakefield's water
Wakefield ranks #45 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Wakefield 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Wakefield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wakefield, VA water safe to drink?
Wakefield's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (91.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,116 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wakefield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wakefield's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). 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).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wakefield's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Wakefield's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Fairfax 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 Difficult Run Above Fox Lake, S F Little Difficult Run Above Mouth Nr Vienna, Snakeden Branch Above Lake Audubon, The Glade, Difficult Run.
Where does Wakefield's water come from?
Wakefield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,116 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Difficult Run Above Fox Lake (river), S F Little Difficult Run Above Mouth Nr Vienna (river), Snakeden Branch Above Lake Audubon (river), The Glade (river), Difficult Run (river).
What Wakefield residents can do
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.
Wakefield'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 Wakefield
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wakefield, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 882 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
VIRGINIA CONCRETE SHIRLINGTON PLANT ARLINGTON, VA22206 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 327 | 8.7 mi |
VIRGINIA CONCRETE EDSALL ROAD PLANT SPRINGFIELD, VA22151 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 295 | 4.3 mi |
VIRGINIA CONCRETE FALLS CHURCH PLANT FALLS CHURCH, VA22043 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 260 | 5.4 mi |
TITAN VIRGINIA READY-MIX LLC-SPRINGFIELD PLANT SPRINGFIELD, VA22151 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 4.3 mi |
GLOBAL FAIRFAX TERMINAL FAIRFAX, VA22031 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D3 — extreme droughtSussex 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
Fairfax 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Wakefield's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 5.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wakefield compares by contaminant
Explore where Wakefield ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wakefield's water comes from
Wakefield'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 1,116 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wakefield
Wakefield is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wakefield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAKEFIELD, TOWN OF | VA3183900 | 1,116 | GW |
How Wakefield compares
Full Virginia rankings →Wakefield's score of 91.4/100 is above the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Wakefield, VA
Wikipedia →Wakefield is an incorporated town in Sussex County, Virginia, United States. Per the 2020 census, the population was 729.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wakefield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Sussex
Frequently asked questions
Is Wakefield, VA tap water safe to drink?
Wakefield's water quality earned a grade of A (91.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #45 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Wakefield's water?
Lead was measured at 5.5 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is Wakefield'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 Wakefield?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wakefield's water come from?
Wakefield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,116 residents.
What health violations has Wakefield's water system had?
Wakefield has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2014. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wakefield's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wakefield 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 15 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 Wakefield's water compare to other cities?
Wakefield ranks #45 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 80% of state cities) and #1724 out of 15744 cities nationally (89th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wakefield's small water system affect quality?
Wakefield's system serves approximately 1,116 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 15 violations on record.