Water Quality in Newport News, VA: 20 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 61/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Newport News's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Compliance records maintained by the EPA for Newport News, VA log 20 violations — accumulated reportable events drawn from every local utility in the SDWIS national tracking system.
Water Quality Map: Newport News, VA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Newport News
Water quality varies across Newport News's 10 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23605 | B | 79 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
| 23607 | B | 79 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
| 23601 | B | 84 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
| 23602 | B | 84 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
| 23608 | B | 84 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
| 23603 | A | 89 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
| 23606 | A | 89 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
| 23609 | A | 94 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
| 23612 | A | 98 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
| 23628 | A | 98 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Newport News, Virginia receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 61 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving Newport News have accumulated 20 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 10 ZIP codes serving approximately 407,829 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Newport News's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Newport News water systems is 0.0005 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 63% of homes built before 1986, Newport News has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Newport News is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Newport News
Newport News is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 407,829 people across 10 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 40 enforcement actions against water systems serving Newport News. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Newport News
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Newport News Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Newport News's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 10 | 10 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 4 enforcement actions against water systems serving Newport News. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2024-09-12 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-09-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-01-31 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2022-09-16 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2024-09-12.
Newport News vs. Nearby Virginia Cities
How Newport News's water quality compares to similar cities in Virginia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newport News | C | 20 | 4 | 407,829 |
| Chesterfield | C | 10 | 3 | 390,359 |
| Church Road | D | 0 | 1 | 389,897 |
| Moseley | D | 0 | 1 | 389,897 |
Recommended Water Filters for Newport News
Based on contaminants detected in Newport News's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house or under-sink)
- Removes: Total Chlorine (Chloramines)
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 42
- Recommended products:
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Waterdrop Chubby Pitcher
- Berkey Travel
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)
- Removes: Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)
- Effectiveness: 70-90%
- Cost range: $400–$2000
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53, NSF/ANSI 401, NSF P473
- Recommended products:
- Waterdrop G3P800
- Aquasana EQ-1000 Rhino
- Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Newport News
Water quality varies across Newport News's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23605 | 79 | B | 2 | 0 |
| 23607 | 79 | B | 2 | 0 |
| 23601 | 84 | B | 2 | 0 |
| 23602 | 84 | B | 2 | 0 |
| 23608 | 84 | B | 2 | 0 |
| 23603 | 89 | A | 2 | 0 |
| 23606 | 89 | A | 2 | 0 |
| 23609 | 94 | A | 2 | 0 |
| 23612 | 98 | A | 2 | 0 |
| 23628 | 98 | A | 2 | 0 |
Common Questions About Newport News Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Newport News, Virginia:
Is Newport News water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Newport News's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Newport News tap water? Newport News's water receives a grade of C (61/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Newport News? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, whole-house or under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Newport News vs. Virginia Average
Understanding how Newport News compares to the broader Virginia average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Newport News.
ZIP Codes in Newport News
Newport News spans 10 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 23601. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.