Water Quality in Virginia: Complete Guide
Everything homeowners need to know about Virginia tap water - hardness, contaminants, treatment options, and costs.
Quick summary: Virginia has an average water hardness of 51 PPM across 22 cities. 0% of cities have hard water above 120 PPM. PFAS contamination is detected above EPA limits in at least one city. Most households do not need water softening equipment.
Water Hardness Across Virginia
Virginia's water hardness ranges from 20 PPM in Virginia Beach to 110 PPM in Harrisonburg, with a statewide average of 51 PPM. This makes Virginia one of the softer-water states. The national average is approximately 120 PPM.
Most Virginia cities use surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs), which generally has lower mineral content than groundwater.
Contaminants of Concern in Virginia
PFAS: The average PFAS level across Virginia cities is 8.4 ppt. Manassas has the highest detected PFAS at 30.75 ppt, above the EPA maximum contaminant level of 4 ppt. Residents should consider a reverse osmosis or NSF P473-certified filter for drinking water.
Lead: Lead contamination comes from plumbing infrastructure, not the water source. Virginia homes built before 1986 are at higher risk due to lead solder. 1 cities show lead levels above 5 ppb.
Do You Need a Water Softener in Virginia?
For most Virginia residents, no. Only 0% of cities have hard water above 120 PPM. However, individual situations vary - check your city page for specific data.
Impact of Hard Water in Virginia
With an average hardness of 51 PPM, most Virginia households do not face significant hard water impact. However, homes with hardness above 120 PPM should evaluate treatment options.