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EPA SDWIS City OverviewWater Testing & Safety Guide

Alexandria, VA Water Quality Testing & Safety Report

EPA compliance records, water testing guidelines, and hardness metrics for all 23 ZIP codes in Alexandria, Virginia

Sahajul HaqueData aggregated & verified by Sahajul Haque from federal SDWIS & ECHO filings
Quick EPA Verified Summary

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Alexandria, VA?

Yes, tap water in Alexandria, VA is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. The city earns an average EPA Safety Grade of B (82/100) across 23 ZIP codes with 0 health violations and moderately hard (105 mg/L / 6.1 GPG) water. Certified testing is recommended for older plumbing or private wells.

Average Score

82/100

Health Violations

0

Water Hardness

Moderately Hard

105 mg/L (6.1 GPG)

High Lead Risk

13

of 23 ZIP codes

B

About Tap Water in Alexandria, VA

Drinking water in Alexandria, VA receives an average water quality grade of B (score: 82/100) across its 23 ZIP codes. Safe Drinking Water Act compliance monitoring is managed by local utilities including Waverly, Town of.

⚠ Lead Risk Alert: Some ZIP codes in Alexandria are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk based on EPA data. Search your specific ZIP code for a detailed lead level report.

Water Quality Testing in Alexandria, VA

Tap Water & Well Water Testing Recommendations

Testing your drinking water in Alexandria confirms whether contaminants like lead, nitrates, bacteria, and PFAS are entering your home. While municipal utilities test water before distribution, private plumbing and private well systems require homeowner testing.

Tap Water Testing Checklist

  • 1.Identify your plumbing age: Homes built before 1986 in Alexandria may have lead solder or lead service lines.
  • 2.Request your utility's latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) for annual municipal baseline data.
  • 3.Use an EPA-certified laboratory or state-certified test kit for precision lead and PFAS detection (standard DIY strips cannot reliably measure trace heavy metals).
  • 4.Collect a "first draw" sample: Test water that has sat motionless in pipes for at least 6 hours to check for plumbing corrosion.

Private Well Water Testing Checklist

  • •Private wells in VA are not monitored by the EPA or Virginia Department of Health — testing is 100% the homeowner's responsibility.
  • •Annual Test: Screen for Total Coliform Bacteria, E. coli, Nitrates/Nitrites, and pH every spring.
  • •Comprehensive Test (Every 3-5 Years): Test for heavy metals (Lead, Arsenic, Uranium), Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), and Hardness.
  • •Post-Disruption Testing: Immediately test well water following heavy floods, local construction, agricultural runoff, or sudden taste/odor changes.

Critical Water Testing Parameters for Alexandria Residents

ParameterHealth ReasonEPA Limit / Standard
Lead (Pb)Plumbing corrosion; dangerous neurotoxin for children15 ppb (Action Level) / 0 ppb Goal
Total Coliform & E. ColiBacterial contamination from sewage or surface runoff0 mg/L (Zero Tolerance)
Nitrates / NitritesFertilizer and septic tank seepage; causes blue baby syndrome10 mg/L (MCL)
Water Hardness (Ca & Mg)Affects appliance lifespan, scale buildup, and skin hydrationModerate (~100 mg/L)
PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")Industrial non-stick chemicals linked to metabolic and immune issues4.0 ppt (EPA 2024 Rule)
State Regulatory Oversight: Environmental standards and certified water lab registries in VA are maintained by the Virginia Department of Health.

Water Quality by ZIP Code — Alexandria, VA

Showing 23 of 23 monitored ZIP codes in Alexandria

A
22320

Alexandria, VA

Score: 99/100✓ Clean Record
A
22321

Alexandria, VA

Score: 99/100✓ Clean Record
A
22331

Alexandria, VA

Score: 99/100✓ Clean Record
A
22332

Alexandria, VA

Score: 99/100✓ Clean Record
A
22333

Alexandria, VA

Score: 99/100✓ Clean Record
A
22334

Alexandria, VA

Score: 99/100✓ Clean Record
A
22336

Alexandria, VA

Score: 99/100✓ Clean Record
A
22350

Alexandria, VA

Score: 99/100✓ Clean Record
A
22313

Alexandria, VA

Score: 95/100✓ Clean Record
A
22302

Alexandria, VA

Score: 90/100✓ Clean Record
A
22304

Alexandria, VA

Score: 90/100✓ Clean Record
A
22301

Alexandria, VA

Score: 85/100✓ Clean Record
A
22305

Alexandria, VA

Score: 85/100✓ Clean Record
A
22314

Alexandria, VA

Score: 85/100✓ Clean Record
C
22306

Alexandria, VA

Score: 65/100✓ Clean Record
C
22308

Alexandria, VA

Score: 65/100✓ Clean Record
C
22310

Alexandria, VA

Score: 65/100✓ Clean Record
C
22311

Alexandria, VA

Score: 65/100✓ Clean Record
C
22312

Alexandria, VA

Score: 65/100✓ Clean Record
C
22315

Alexandria, VA

Score: 65/100✓ Clean Record
C
22307

Alexandria, VA

Score: 60/100✓ Clean Record
C
22309

Alexandria, VA

Score: 60/100✓ Clean Record
C
22303

Alexandria, VA

Score: 55/100✓ Clean Record

All Alexandria, VA ZIP Code Reports (23 Total)

2232022321223312233222333223342233622350223132230222304223012230522314223062230822310223112231222315223072230922303

Nearby Cities Water Quality & Testing in Virginia

Compare tap water safety, EPA test scores, and water hardness across neighboring cities in Virginia:

Abingdon, VA3 ZIP codes
Grade B
Accomac, VA1 ZIP code
Grade C
Achilles, VA1 ZIP code
Grade C
Afton, VA1 ZIP code
Grade C
Alberta, VA1 ZIP code
Grade D
Aldie, VA1 ZIP code
Grade B
Altavista, VA1 ZIP code
Grade C
Alton, VA1 ZIP code
Grade D

Frequently Asked Questions — Alexandria Water Quality & Testing

Is tap water safe to drink in Alexandria, VA?+
Yes — tap water in Alexandria meets federal EPA standards and earns a B grade. It is generally safe for healthy adults. As always, running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a filter adds extra protection for vulnerable populations.
How do I test water quality in Alexandria, VA?+
To test water quality in Alexandria, you can order an EPA-compliant drinking water test kit or submit samples to a state-certified environmental testing laboratory in VA. Testing is especially recommended for homes built before 1986 (to check for lead in plumbing) and for properties with private well systems.
Should I test private well water in Alexandria?+
Yes. Unlike municipal tap water, private wells in Alexandria, VA are not monitored or regulated by the EPA or local utilities. Private well owners are responsible for testing their water annually for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and every 3 to 5 years for heavy metals (lead, arsenic) and volatile organic compounds.
How hard is the tap water in Alexandria?+
Tap water in Alexandria is classified as Moderately Hard with an estimated average hardness of 105 mg/L (6.1 GPG). A water softener is generally optional.
What is the water quality score for Alexandria?+
The average water quality score across 23 ZIP codes in Alexandria, VA is 82/100. Scores are derived from EPA violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Individual ZIP codes may vary — search your specific ZIP above for a personalized report.
Does Alexandria have lead in its tap water?+
13 out of 23 ZIP codes in Alexandria are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk. Older homes built before 1986 may have lead service lines or plumbing fixtures. Residents should run their tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 lead filter.
Where does Alexandria's tap water come from?+
Tap water in Alexandria, VA primarily comes from surface water. Surface water systems treat water from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs using filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection before it reaches your tap.

Looking for water quality reports in other cities in Virginia?

View All Cities & ZIPs in Virginia