Water Quality in Richmond, VA: 1 Violation - Grade N/A
3 water systems · 16 directly mapped ZIP records
Available EPA records report 1 violations across 16 directly mapped ZIP records with known counts for Richmond. This is compliance evidence, not a property-level tap-water verdict.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Richmond
This table shows typed EPA water evidence only. Missing violation counts are displayed as N/A, not zero.
| ZIP Code | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23219 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 23220 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 23221 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 23222 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 23223 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 23224 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 23225 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 23226 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 23227 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 23230 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 23234 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 23235 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 23284 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 23298 | 1 | 0 | View report → |
| 23236 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Richmond, Virginia has directly mapped EPA water-system data for 16 ZIP codes. This page reports typed compliance facts and does not relabel the multi-source Home Safety Score as a drinking-water grade.
The available EPA records report 1 violation (all classified as monitoring/reporting type in the available record) across 16 directly mapped ZIP records with reported counts.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Richmond water systems is 0.0031 mg/L - within EPA limits. No exceedances appear among the 16 ZIP records with known lead status.
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 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 404,093 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 84 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 and violation history
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
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Richmond. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2022-03-16 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-09-21 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2021-09-21 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-09-08 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2021-09-08 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-09-05 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2022-03-16.
Richmond vs. Nearby Virginia Cities
How Richmond's water quality compares to similar cities in Virginia:
| City | Direct EPA ZIPs | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richmond | 16 | 1 | 3 | 404,093 |
| Virginia Beach | 11 | 1 | 7 | 457,066 |
| Alexandria | 14 | 0 | 3 | 344,502 |
| Chesapeake | 6 | 4 | 8 | 251,477 |
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
EPA coverage and recorded violations can differ across Richmond's ZIP codes. Missing counts are shown as unavailable, not zero:
| ZIP Code | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 23219 | 1 | 0 |
| 23220 | 1 | 0 |
| 23221 | 1 | 0 |
| 23222 | 1 | 0 |
| 23223 | 1 | 0 |
| 23224 | 1 | 0 |
| 23225 | 1 | 0 |
| 23226 | 1 | 0 |
| 23227 | 1 | 0 |
| 23230 | 1 | 0 |
| 23234 | 1 | 0 |
| 23235 | 1 | 0 |
| 23284 | 1 | 0 |
| 23298 | 1 | 0 |
| 23236 | 0 | 0 |
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 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Richmond tap water? City-level EPA records cannot determine safety at a specific tap. No health-based violations are recorded across 16 directly mapped ZIP records with known counts, but this is not a property-level safety guarantee.
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. EPA water-system coverage is available for 16 directly mapped ZIP codes. 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
Source reporting periods vary. See each cited source for its publication schedule.