Water quality
Virginia water quality
According to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and EWG testing, PFAS have been detected in several Virginia communities, with EWG reporting notably higher levels in parts of Northern Virginia than elsewhere in the D.C. metro area. EWG's Tap Water Database also lists disinfection byproducts such as trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids above its health guidelines in some systems. Public systems are working toward the EPA's 2024 PFAS limits.
Documented considerations
PFAS
According to EWG testing, Northern Virginia tap water samples contained PFAS at levels higher than other parts of the D.C. metro area, with detections reported up to about 62 ppt at one site; VDH tracks PFAS under EPA's 2024 rule.
Disinfection byproducts
According to EWG's Tap Water Database, some 2021-2023 Virginia samples showed total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids exceeding EWG health guidelines, byproducts common in large chlorinated systems.
Lead
Lead in Virginia tap water comes mainly from older service lines and home plumbing; utilities are inventorying lead lines under federal rules.
Certified filters for Virginia's main concerns
- 7.5Culligan US-EZ-4 Under-Sink
An under-sink filter genuinely IAPMO certified to NSF/ANSI 42, 53 and 401 for lead, cysts, VOCs, mercury and PFOA/PFOS.
- 7.2Aquasana AQ-5200 Under-Sink
Certified for lead and PFAS, cheap per gallon, marketing matches the certified scope.
- 7.2AquaTru Classic Countertop RO
A no-plumbing countertop 4-stage RO purifier certified to NSF standards for lead, PFAS, fluoride and arsenic with an efficient drain ratio.
- 4.9ZeroWater 5-Stage Pitcher (7-Cup)
A five-stage ion-exchange pitcher certified for lead, chromium-6 and PFOA/PFOS - but a short 15-gallon filter makes it costly to run.
- 7.3Brita Elite Pitcher (10-Cup)
A pour-through pitcher whose Elite filter is certified to reduce lead, mercury, cadmium and more, with a long 120-gallon cartridge.
- 6.8Frizzlife SK99 Under-Sink Filter
A direct-connect 3-stage under-sink filter with a 0.5 micron carbon block, IAPMO certified to NSF/ANSI 42 and 53 for chlorine, lead and chloramine.
FAQ
- Is Virginia tap water safe?
- According to VDH and EWG, most Virginia systems meet federal standards, but PFAS have been detected in some communities and certain systems show disinfection byproducts above EWG guidelines. Checking your local Consumer Confidence Report is recommended.
- Is there PFAS in Northern Virginia water?
- According to EWG testing, tap water samples from Northern Virginia contained PFAS at levels higher than other parts of the D.C. metro area, with detections reported in the range of about 6 to 62 ppt depending on location.
- What are disinfection byproducts in Virginia water?
- According to EWG's Tap Water Database, byproducts such as total trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids form when chlorine reacts with organic matter and have exceeded EWG's health guidelines in some Virginia systems.
Sources
- Virginia Department of Health - PFAS in Drinking Water
- EWG Tap Water Database - Virginia
- EWG - Northern Virginia PFAS Testing
Not sure how to read your local report? See our guide on reading a water quality report.