Water Quality in Richmond, VA: 195 Violations — Grade A
Grade A · Score 91/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Richmond's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The compliance history for Richmond, VA includes 195 water violations on file with the EPA — a federal tally that spans health-based exceedances, monitoring failures, and enforcement actions logged under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Water Quality Map: Richmond, VA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Richmond
Water quality varies across Richmond's 39 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23236 | C | 61 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
| 23237 | C | 61 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
| 23297 | C | 62 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
| 23240 | C | 66 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
| 23219 | B | 81 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
| 23223 | B | 81 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
| 23224 | B | 81 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
| 23225 | B | 81 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
| 23226 | B | 81 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
| 23218 | A | 86 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
| 23222 | A | 86 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
| 23227 | A | 86 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
| 23230 | A | 86 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
| 23234 | A | 86 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
| 23235 | A | 86 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Richmond, Virginia receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 91 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Richmond have accumulated 195 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 39 ZIP codes serving approximately 231,333 people.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Richmond's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Richmond water systems is 0.0036 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 75% of homes built before 1986, Richmond 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.
Water Systems Serving Richmond
Richmond is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 231,333 people across 39 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 390 enforcement actions against water systems serving Richmond. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Richmond
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 Richmond Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Richmond's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 78 | 39 | 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 7 enforcement actions against water systems serving Richmond. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-26 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-11 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-08 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-16 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-04-16 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-04-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-10-16 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-26.
Richmond vs. Nearby Virginia Cities
How Richmond's water quality compares to similar cities in Virginia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | A | 195 | 5 | 231,333 |
| Midlothian | C | 0 | 1 | 229,395 |
| University Of Richmond | B | 0 | 1 | 229,395 |
| Mc Lean | C | 0 | 2 | 245,000 |
Recommended Water Filters for Richmond
Based on contaminants detected in Richmond's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Reverse Osmosis (under-sink)
- Removes: Lead
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $150–$500
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 58
- Recommended products:
- Waterdrop G3P800
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Clearly Filtered Pitcher
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Richmond
Water quality varies across Richmond's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23236 | 61 | C | 5 | 0 |
| 23237 | 61 | C | 5 | 0 |
| 23297 | 62 | C | 5 | 0 |
| 23240 | 66 | C | 5 | 0 |
| 23219 | 81 | B | 5 | 0 |
| 23223 | 81 | B | 5 | 0 |
| 23224 | 81 | B | 5 | 0 |
| 23225 | 81 | B | 5 | 0 |
| 23226 | 81 | B | 5 | 0 |
| 23218 | 86 | A | 5 | 0 |
| 23298 | 95 | A | 5 | 0 |
| 23295 | 95 | A | 5 | 0 |
| 23293 | 95 | A | 5 | 0 |
| 23292 | 95 | A | 5 | 0 |
| 23291 | 95 | A | 5 | 0 |
Water quality scores in Richmond range from 61 to 95 — a spread of 34 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About Richmond Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Richmond, Virginia:
Is Richmond water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Richmond's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Richmond tap water? Richmond's water receives a grade of A (91/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Richmond? Based on detected contaminants, a reverse osmosis (under-sink) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Richmond vs. Virginia Average
Understanding how Richmond 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 Richmond.
ZIP Codes in Richmond
Richmond spans 39 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 23218. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Water is Safe — Here's How to Keep It That Way
Grade A is excellent news. Here's what proactive homeowners do to maintain water quality:
Annual Water Testing
EPA recommends annual testing even with clean water. Home test kits: $20-$50. Catches changes before they become problems.
Maintenance Filtration
A basic carbon filter removes chlorine taste and catches emerging contaminants like PFAS that aren't yet fully regulated.
Plumbing Check
Even safe city water picks up lead from home pipes. If your home was built before 1986, a one-time pipe inspection is recommended.