Water Quality in Roanoke, VA

Roanoke's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 74 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

Western Virginia Water Authority · Source: Carvins Cove Reservoir, Spring Hollow Reservoir · Serves 100,011 residents

74
Hardness (PPM)
108
TDS (PPM)
0.9
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
3
Lead (ppb)
74 PPM 0 400 Moderately Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 74 PPM TDS 108 PPM PFAS 4 ppt Lead 3 ppb Chlorine 0.9 mg/L Nitrate 2 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Roanoke Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Generally good quality

Roanoke's Blue Ridge mountain reservoirs produce moderately soft water from ancient metamorphic and sedimentary geology.

What Roanoke's Water Means for Your Home

Roanoke's water is moderately hard at 74 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 Roanoke, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Beyond hardness, Roanoke's water quality is generally within EPA guidelines for regulated contaminants. Chlorine is present at 0.9 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.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)74 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids108 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)4 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead3 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)✓ Low
Chlorine / Chloramine0.9 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate2 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Roanoke Homes

🔄 Salt-Free Conditioner (Optional)
At 74 PPM, Roanoke's water is moderately hard. Scale buildup is slow but noticeable over years, especially in tankless water heaters. A salt-free conditioner is a low-maintenance option if you want to extend appliance life.
Learn more about this solution →

About Roanoke's Water Supply

Water Utility: Western Virginia Water Authority

Water Source: Carvins Cove Reservoir, Spring Hollow Reservoir

Population Served: 100,011

Hardness: 74 PPM (4.3 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by Western Virginia Water Authority. 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 Roanoke to Other Virginia Cities

Virginia Beach

20 PPM · Slightly Hard

Norfolk

53 PPM · Slightly Hard

Richmond

70 PPM · Moderately Hard

Hampton

28 PPM · Slightly Hard

Newport News

24 PPM · Slightly Hard

Alexandria

39 PPM · Slightly Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Roanoke Water

Is Roanoke tap water safe to drink?
Roanoke's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Roanoke?
At 74 PPM, Roanoke's water is moderately hard. Some homeowners at this level do not notice problems, while others see spotting on glassware, film on shower doors, or reduced soap lathering. Homes with tankless water heaters at this hardness level should strongly consider at least a salt-free conditioner, as scale buildup inside the heat exchanger can void the warranty. For other homes, it depends on your sensitivity and fixtures.
What water filter is best for Roanoke?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Roanoke's water come from?
Roanoke's drinking water is sourced from Carvins Cove Reservoir, Spring Hollow Reservoir and treated by Western Virginia Water Authority. Roanoke's Blue Ridge mountain reservoirs produce moderately soft water from ancient metamorphic and sedimentary geology..
What is the hardness of Roanoke water in grains per gallon?
Roanoke's water hardness is 4.3 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 74 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as moderately hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Roanoke water damage tankless water heaters?
At 4.3 GPG, Roanoke's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.
Is Roanoke water safe for babies and infants?
Roanoke's water meets all EPA safety standards and is generally considered safe for preparing infant formula. The hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) are not harmful. If your home has older plumbing, running cold water for 30 seconds before use is a good precaution to flush any lead from pipes.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the Western Virginia Water Authority Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.