WaterVerge

Is Warm Springs, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 6 water systems PWSID: VA2017095
Overall Score
92.2 / 100
Violations
1 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#39 of 230 in Virginia Top 9% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
AGRADE
Water Quality Grade
92.2/100
waterverge.com
A 92.2/100

Warm Springs, VA — Water Quality Report

Warm Springs's drinking water received a grade of A (92.2 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 3,456 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 6.0 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 28 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Warm Springs's water

Warm Springs ranks #39 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Warm Springs 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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
92.2 out of 100 Grade A
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
42.2/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Warm Springs, VA water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Warm Springs's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (92.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 3,456 residents using groundwater (wells).

1
Active Violations
6.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Warm Springs

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Warm Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.2/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Disaster
HURRICANE FLORENCE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
5 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3359). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Warm Springs's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 6.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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

Warm Springs's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved.

MRMONMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2018 Chlorine Resolved
May 2017 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
May 2017 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
May 2017 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
May 2017 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Bath County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1985. 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 Jackson River, Back Creek.

HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3403
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3359
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3240

Where does Warm Springs's water come from?

Warm Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 3,456 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Jackson River (river), Back Creek (river).

What Warm Springs residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Warm Springs'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
6.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 40% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

28
Total violations
5
Health-based
1
Active / unresolved
Oct 2018
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

28 Total
1 Active
5 Health-based
27 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
19
Revised Total Coliform Rule
6
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
1
Nitrate Rule
1
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2018 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2018
May 2017 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved May 2017
May 2017 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved May 2017
May 2017 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved May 2017
May 2017 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved May 2017
May 2017 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved May 2017
Jul 2016 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jul 2016
Aug 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2012
Aug 2009 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2009
Nov 2008 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2008
Sep 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2004
Apr 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 2004
Sep 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2002
Aug 2001 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2001
Aug 2000 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2000
Jul 2000 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 2000
Nov 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 1999
Nov 1998 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 1998
Dec 1997 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1997
Showing 20 of 28 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Bath 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.

5
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
10.4%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
8
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Sep 2018
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Bath County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1985. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA #3403
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3359
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3240
Sep 1996
HURRICANE FRAN AND ASSOCIATED SEVERE STORM COND
Hurricane FEMA #1135
Jan 1996
FLOODING, HIGH WINDS, AND WIND DRIVEN RAIN
Flood FEMA #1098
May 1992
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #944

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Warm Springs's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 6.0 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 6.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 1.2 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2023 (1.2 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Warm Springs compares by contaminant

Explore where Warm Springs ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,456
Water Systems
6
Source breakdown
Groundwater
5
GUP
1
Water Source

Where Warm Springs's water comes from

Groundwater

Warm Springs'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 3,456 people through 6 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Warm Springs

Warm Springs is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Jackson River
river
Back Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Warm Springs

System Name PWSID Population Source
BATH COUNTY REGIONAL - BCSA VA2017095 1,418 GW
MILLBORO - BCSA VA2017300 690 GW
ASHWOOD - BCSA VA2017030 500 GW
THOMASTOWN/CROWDERTOWN/SWITCHBACK - BCSA VA2017490 325 GUP
CLIFTON FORGE MOUNTAIN - BCSA VA2017135 280 GW
CEDAR CREEK - BCSA VA2017130 243 GW
Regional Comparison

How Warm Springs compares

Full Virginia rankings →

Warm Springs's score of 92.2/100 is above the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Warm Springs (this city)
92.2
Herndon
75.5
Ashburn
87
Virginia avg
85
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Frequently asked questions

Is Warm Springs, VA tap water safe to drink?

Warm Springs's water quality earned a grade of A (92.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #39 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.

What contaminants are in Warm Springs's water?

Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.

How is Warm Springs'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 Warm Springs?

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 Warm Springs's water come from?

Warm Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 3,456 residents.

What health violations has Warm Springs's water system had?

Warm Springs has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2018. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 1 violation remains unresolved.

Is Warm Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Warm Springs 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 28 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 Warm Springs's water compare to other cities?

Warm Springs ranks #39 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 83% of state cities) and #1337 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.