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 ↓
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.
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Warm Springs, VA water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Warm Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Warm Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.2/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBath 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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Warm Springs'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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Warm Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Warm Springs ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Warm Springs's water comes from
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.
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.
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 |
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.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Warm Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bath
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.