Water Quality in Newport News, VA
Newport News's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 24 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.
Hardness Scale: Where Newport News Falls
Newport News operates one of the largest water systems in Virginia. Coastal Plain surface water is naturally soft.
What Newport News's Water Means for Your Home
Newport News's water is slightly hard at 24 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Newport News, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.
Beyond hardness, Newport News's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 1.1 mg/L as a disinfectant residual, which is normal for municipal water systems. If you notice a pool-like taste or experience dry skin, a whole-house carbon filter is the most common and affordable solution. For homeowners who want to understand the full picture, requesting your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report provides neighborhood-level data.
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO₃) | 24 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 80 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 4 ppt | 4 ppt (EPA) | 4 ppt (2024) | ✓ OK |
| Lead | 4 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (action level) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 1.1 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | 2 mg/L | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | ✓ OK |
Good news for ${esc(c.city)} residents. Your water quality is generally good. Most homes in this area do not need a water softener. If you have concerns about lead (especially in buildings constructed before 1986) or chlorine taste, a point-of-use filter is the most practical and cost-effective solution.
About Newport News's Water Supply
Water Utility: Newport News Waterworks
Water Source: King William Reservoir system
Population Served: 186,247
Hardness: 24 PPM (1.4 grains per gallon)
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Newport News Waterworks. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.
Compare Newport News to Other Virginia Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Newport News Water
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Does Newport News water damage tankless water heaters?
Is Newport News water safe for babies and infants?
Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Newport News Waterworks Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.