Is Yorktown, VA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
83/100
waterverge.com Yorktown, VA — Water Quality Report
Yorktown's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 5,149 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 85 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Yorktown's water
Yorktown ranks #129 out of 230 cities in Virginia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Yorktown, VA water safe to drink?
Yorktown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 5,149 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Yorktown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Yorktown's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83/100).
Contaminants: E. COLI.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3403). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3359). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Yorktown's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Yorktown's water system has 85 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
York County has experienced 10 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 Brick Kiln Creek Below Route 172.
Where does Yorktown's water come from?
Yorktown's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 5,149 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Brick Kiln Creek Below Route 172 (stream).
What Yorktown residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Yorktown's water.
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.
Yorktown'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 Yorktown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Yorktown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TCS MATERIALS GLOUCESTER READY-MIX GLOUCESTER, VA23061 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
BALL METAL BEVERAGE CONTAINER CORP WILLIAMSBURG, VA23185 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
BRANSCOME-LEE HALL WILLIAMSBURG, VA23185 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
ANHEUSER-BUSCH LLC WILLIAMSBURG, VA23185 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
U.S NAVY CHEATHAM ANNEX BASE WILLIAMSBURG, VA23185 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Yorktown
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.
- NAVAL WEAPONS STATION YORKTOWN4.0 mi
- CHISMAN CREEK5.0 mi
- NWS YORKTOWN CHEATHAM ANNEX6.0 mi
- FORT EUSTIS US ARMY9.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtYork 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
York County has experienced 10 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 Yorktown'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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.18 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.180 mg/L (2011)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Yorktown compares by contaminant
Explore where Yorktown ranks among all Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Yorktown's water comes from
Yorktown's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by federal ownership and serves approximately 5,149 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Yorktown
Yorktown is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Yorktown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| YORKTOWN NAVAL WEAPONS STATION | VA3199500 | 2,386 | SWP |
| LIGHTFOOT SYSTEM | VA3199380 | 1,950 | GW |
| CHEATHAM ANNEX | VA3199210 | 632 | SWP |
| GREENSPRINGS MOBILE VILLAGE | VA3095320 | 181 | GW |
How Yorktown compares
Full Virginia rankings →Yorktown's score of 83/100 is on par with the average of 85/100 among major Virginia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Virginia rankings →About Yorktown, VA
Wikipedia →Yorktown is a town in York County, Virginia, United States. It is the county seat of York County, one of the eight original shires formed in colonial Virginia in 1682. Yorktown's population was 221 as of the 2020 census, while York County's population was 66,134 in the 2011 census estimate.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Yorktown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across York
Frequently asked questions
Is Yorktown, VA tap water safe to drink?
Yorktown's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #129 out of 230 cities tested in Virginia.
What contaminants are in Yorktown's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 85 violations are on record.
How is Yorktown'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 Yorktown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Yorktown's water come from?
Yorktown's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 5,149 residents.
What health violations has Yorktown's water system had?
Yorktown has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Yorktown's water compare to other cities?
Yorktown ranks #129 out of 230 cities in Virginia (better than 44% of state cities) and #6638 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.