Is Wallops Island, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.6/100
waterverge.com Wallops Island, VA — Water Quality Report
Wallops Island's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,625 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.8 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 22 violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Wallops Island's water
Wallops Island ranks #146 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Wallops Island 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, Wallops Island may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wallops Island, VA water safe to drink?
Wallops Island's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (80.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,625 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wallops Island
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wallops Island's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4092). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wallops Island's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Wallops Island's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 19 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Accomack 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 Chincoteague Bay Inlet.
Where does Wallops Island's water come from?
Wallops Island's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,625 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Chincoteague Bay Inlet (stream).
What Wallops Island 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.
Wallops Island'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 droughtAccomack 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
Accomack 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. | 2.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Wallops Island compares by contaminant
Explore where Wallops Island ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wallops Island's water comes from
Wallops Island'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 federal ownership and serves approximately 1,625 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wallops Island
Wallops Island is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wallops Island
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASA WALLOPS FLIGHT FACILITY | VA3001500 | 1,625 | GW |
How Wallops Island compares
Full Virginia rankings →Wallops Island's score of 80.6/100 is on par with the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wallops Island's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Accomack
Frequently asked questions
Is Wallops Island, VA tap water safe to drink?
Wallops Island's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #146 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Wallops Island's water?
Lead was measured at 2.8 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.
How is Wallops Island'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 Wallops Island?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wallops Island's water come from?
Wallops Island's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,625 residents.
What health violations has Wallops Island's water system had?
Wallops Island has 19 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.
Is Wallops Island's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wallops Island 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 22 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 Wallops Island's water compare to other cities?
Wallops Island ranks #146 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 37% of state cities) and #7787 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wallops Island's small water system affect quality?
Wallops Island's system serves approximately 1,625 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 22 violations on record.