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EPA SDWIS City OverviewWater Testing & Safety Guide

Charlottesville, VA Water Quality Testing & Safety Report

EPA compliance records, water testing guidelines, and hardness metrics for all 11 ZIP codes in Charlottesville, Virginia

Quick EPA Verified Summary

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in Charlottesville, VA?

Yes, tap water in Charlottesville, VA is safe to drink under EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards. The city earns an average EPA Safety Grade of B (81/100) across 11 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

81/100

Health Violations

0

Water Hardness

Moderately Hard

105 mg/L (6.1 GPG)

High Lead Risk

1

of 11 ZIP codes

B

About Tap Water in Charlottesville, VA

Drinking water in Charlottesville, VA receives an average water quality grade of B (score: 81/100) across its 11 ZIP codes. Safe Drinking Water Act compliance monitoring is managed by local utilities including Acsa Urban Area.

⚠ Lead Risk Alert: Some ZIP codes in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville, VA

Tap Water & Well Water Testing Recommendations

Testing your drinking water in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville 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 — Charlottesville, VA

Showing 11 of 11 monitored ZIP codes in Charlottesville

B
22904

Charlottesville, VA

Score: 82/100✓ Clean Record
B
22905

Charlottesville, VA

Score: 82/100✓ Clean Record
B
22906

Charlottesville, VA

Score: 82/100✓ Clean Record
B
22907

Charlottesville, VA

Score: 82/100✓ Clean Record
B
22908

Charlottesville, VA

Score: 82/100✓ Clean Record
B
22909

Charlottesville, VA

Score: 82/100✓ Clean Record
B
22910

Charlottesville, VA

Score: 82/100✓ Clean Record
B
22911

Charlottesville, VA

Score: 82/100✓ Clean Record
B
22901

Charlottesville, VA

Score: 77/100✓ Clean Record
B
22902

Charlottesville, VA

Score: 77/100✓ Clean Record
B
22903

Charlottesville, VA

Score: 77/100✓ Clean Record

All Charlottesville, VA ZIP Code Reports (11 Total)

2290422905229062290722908229092291022911229012290222903

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
Alexandria, VA23 ZIP codes
Grade A
Altavista, VA1 ZIP code
Grade C

Frequently Asked Questions — Charlottesville Water Quality & Testing

Is tap water safe to drink in Charlottesville, VA?+
Yes — tap water in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville, VA?+
To test water quality in Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville?+
Yes. Unlike municipal tap water, private wells in Charlottesville, 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 Charlottesville?+
Tap water in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville?+
The average water quality score across 11 ZIP codes in Charlottesville, VA is 81/100. 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 Charlottesville have lead in its tap water?+
1 out of 11 ZIP codes in Charlottesville 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 Charlottesville's tap water come from?+
Tap water in Charlottesville, 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