WaterVerge

Is Warsaw, VA 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 ↓

2K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: VA4159900
Overall Score
88 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#87 of 230 in Virginia Top 24% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
88/100
waterverge.com
A- 88/100

Warsaw, VA — Water Quality Report

Warsaw's drinking water received a grade of A- (88 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,920 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 17 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Warsaw's water

Warsaw ranks #87 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Warsaw 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, Warsaw may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
88 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
41/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Warsaw, VA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Warsaw's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,920 residents using groundwater (wells).

5
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Warsaw

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Warsaw's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
TROPICAL STORM MICHAEL

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4411). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE FLORENCE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4401). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Warsaw's water system has 17 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2021 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2015 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Aug 2015 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Dec 2014 Coliform (TCR) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Richmond County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2011. 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 Piscataway Creek.

TROPICAL STORM MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA DR-4411
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4401
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA DR-3403

Where does Warsaw's water come from?

Warsaw's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,920 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Piscataway Creek (river).

What Warsaw residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Warsaw's water.

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Warsaw'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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

17
Total violations
5
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Oct 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

17 Total
5 Active
5 Health-based
12 Resolved
Violations by category
Total Coliform Rule
6
Inorganic Chemicals
4
Consumer Confidence Rule
3
Nitrate Rule
1
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Oct 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2000 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2015
Aug 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 2015
Dec 2014 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2014
Jan 2005 Resolved
Nitrate-Nitrite
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2005
Jan 2002 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Jan 2002 Resolved
CYANIDE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Jul 2001 Resolved
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation Resolved Nov 2001
May 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved May 1999
Apr 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Apr 1999
Mar 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 1999
Jul 1981 Resolved
Fluoride
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 1981
Jun 1979 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 1979
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Warsaw

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Warsaw, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 65 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
STELLA-JONES CORP
Wood Products · STELLA-JONES US HOLDING CORP
WARSAW, VA22572
Chromium and Chromium Compounds(except for chromite ore mined in the Transvaal Region)651.0 mi
CARRY-ON TRAILER CORP
Transportation Equipment · BCD PARENT INC
MONTROSS, VA22520
8.6 mi
DOMINION - NORTHERN NECK COMBUSTION TURBINE STATIO
Electric Utilities · DOMINION ENERGY INC
WARSAW, VA22572
2.9 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Warsaw

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Isle of Wight 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.

1
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
8.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
1
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

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

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Dec 2018
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Richmond County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 2011. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Dec 2018
TROPICAL STORM MICHAEL
Hurricane FEMA #4411
Oct 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA #4401
Sep 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA #3403
Sep 2018
HURRICANE FLORENCE
Hurricane FEMA #3403
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3359
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3359

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 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 decreased by 1.0 ppb from 1993 (1.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,920
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Warsaw's water comes from

Groundwater

Warsaw'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 1,920 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Warsaw

Warsaw is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Piscataway Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Warsaw

System Name PWSID Population Source
WARSAW, TOWN OF VA4159900 1,815 GW
OAKS MOBILE ESTATES VA3093347 105 GW
Regional Comparison

How Warsaw compares

Full Virginia rankings →

Warsaw's score of 88/100 is on par with the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.

Warsaw (this city)
88
Herndon
75.5
Ashburn
87
Virginia avg
85
City Profile

About Warsaw, VA

Economic Profile
$80,000
Median Income
$254,664
Median Home Value
$1,062/mo
Median Rent
4.7%
Unemployment
Community
40.2
Median Age
297
People / sq mi
20.2%
College Educated
43.7%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Warsaw, VA tap water safe to drink?

Warsaw's water quality earned a grade of A- (88/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #87 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.

What contaminants are in Warsaw's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 17 violations are on record.

How is Warsaw'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 Warsaw?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Warsaw's water come from?

Warsaw's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,920 residents.

What health violations has Warsaw's water system had?

Warsaw has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.

Is Warsaw's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Warsaw 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 17 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 Warsaw's water compare to other cities?

Warsaw ranks #87 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 62% of state cities) and #3711 out of 15744 cities nationally (76th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.