Water Quality in Virginia Beach, VA: No Violations — Grade A
Grade A · Score 90/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Virginia Beach's water meets all EPA standards with no health-based violations.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Not one violation appears in VA's EPA file for Virginia Beach — 5 monitored systems, all clear.
Water Quality Map: Virginia Beach, VA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Virginia Beach
Water quality varies across Virginia Beach's 20 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23451 | B | 75 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 23452 | B | 75 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 23456 | B | 75 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 23453 | B | 80 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 23454 | B | 80 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 23455 | B | 80 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 23464 | B | 80 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 23457 | A | 85 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 23462 | A | 85 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 23450 | A | 95 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 23458 | A | 95 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 23471 | A | 95 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 23459 | A | 99 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 23460 | A | 99 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
| 23461 | A | 99 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Virginia Beach, Virginia receives a water quality grade of A with an overall score of 90 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 5 water systems serving Virginia Beach. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade A Means
A grade of A indicates excellent compliance with EPA drinking water standards. Virginia Beach's water systems have maintained strong performance in both contaminant monitoring and regulatory compliance.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Virginia Beach water systems is 0.0010 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 56% of homes built before 1986, Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 458,124 people across 20 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 60 enforcement actions against water systems serving Virginia Beach. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Virginia Beach
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
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 3 enforcement actions against water systems serving Virginia Beach. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2022-06-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-09-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-08-09 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2022-06-30.
Virginia Beach vs. Nearby Virginia Cities
How Virginia Beach's water quality compares to similar cities in Virginia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Beach | A | 0 | 5 | 458,124 |
| Newport News | C | 20 | 4 | 407,829 |
| Chesterfield | C | 10 | 3 | 390,359 |
| Church Road | D | 0 | 1 | 389,897 |
Recommended Water Filters for Virginia Beach
Based on contaminants detected in Virginia Beach's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house or under-sink)
- Removes: Chloramine
- Effectiveness: 95-99%
- Cost range: $100–$600
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 42
- Recommended products:
- Aquasana AQ-5200
- Waterdrop Chubby Pitcher
- Berkey Travel
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Virginia Beach
Water quality varies across Virginia Beach's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23451 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 23452 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 23456 | 75 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 23453 | 80 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 23454 | 80 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 23455 | 80 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 23464 | 80 | B | 0 | 0 |
| 23457 | 85 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 23462 | 85 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 23450 | 95 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 23479 | 99 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 23467 | 99 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 23466 | 99 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 23465 | 99 | A | 0 | 0 |
| 23463 | 99 | A | 0 | 0 |
Water quality scores in Virginia Beach range from 75 to 99 — a spread of 24 points. This variation means your specific ZIP code matters significantly.
Common Questions About Virginia Beach Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Virginia Beach, Virginia:
Is Virginia Beach water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Virginia Beach's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Virginia Beach tap water? Virginia Beach's water receives a grade of A (90/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Virginia Beach? 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.
Virginia Beach vs. Virginia Average
Understanding how Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach.
ZIP Codes in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach spans 20 ZIP codes. 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.