RICHMOND, CITY OFlikely match
City water report · 2026

Is Richmond Tap Water Safe? 2026 Water Quality Report

Short answer: No measured result is above a legal limit; the water is moderately hard. Richmond, City of serves 233,655 residents.

Likely match, check your bill

RICHMOND, CITY OF serves Richmond

Your water bill or annual water quality report names your actual supplier.

Source
Surface water
Disinfectant
chloramine
Lead service lines
1,956 lead, 28 galvanized, 67,626 unknown
  • VA4760100 · 233,655 served

Your water utility

City of Richmond: contact and record

Every detected result

4 detected results, by distance from their limit

RICHMOND, CITY OF (EPA PWSID VA4760100) delivers surface water to 233,655 residents. This report reflects 29 individual PFAS result(s) from the source UCMR5 observations and the latest Lead & Copper Rule 90th-percentile result. The utility's 2024 CCR reports moderately hard water and chloramine disinfection.

30 other contaminants tested, none detected
  • 11Cl-PF3OUdS
  • 4:2 FTS
  • 6:2 FTS
  • 8:2 FTS
  • 9Cl-PF3ONS
  • ADONA
  • HFPO-DA (GenX)
  • NEtFOSAA
  • NFDHA
  • NMeFOSAA
  • PFBA
  • PFBS
  • PFDA
  • PFDoA
  • PFEESA
  • PFHpA
  • PFHpS
  • PFHxA
  • PFHxS
  • PFMBA
  • PFMPA
  • PFNA
  • PFOA
  • PFOS
  • PFPeA
  • PFPeS
  • PFTA
  • PFTrDA
  • PFUnA
  • Lithium

Coverage by group

34 results on record
  • PFAS (forever chemicals)29 not detected
  • Metals & lead1 detected
  • Disinfection by-products2 detected
  • Other1 detected · 1 not detected
Track record

1health-based violation in the last 10 years

From EPA SDWIS. Counted once per contaminant per year, as in the Track record score.

Health-based violations, last 10 years

Every filing is listed; the Track record score counts at most one per contaminant per year.

Filings 2011–2020
  • Carbon, total

Resolved

  1. Carbon, totalTT

    to Resolved

    EPA status: ResolvedSDWIS ID 4505011

Test your own tap

Screening tells you if something is worth a closer look; a lab result is the number you can act on.

As an Amazon Associate, PurityMap earns from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.

  • Screening: quick check, not lab-grade

    Safe Home DIY Lead in Drinking Water Combo Test Kit

    Safe Home (EnviroTestKits)

    Lead, read as one of three ranges: 0–4, 5–15 or 15+ ppb

    • Turnaround: 5 minutes

    What it can't tell you: It shows a lead range, not an exact level, and tests nothing else unless you pay extra for the optional lab test.

  • Lab-certified results

    ETR Labs Basic Water Quality Test Kit

    ETR Laboratories

    50+ substances, including lead, copper, arsenic, nitrate, hardness and coliform bacteria

    What it can't tell you: It does not test PFAS, and not every result on the panel falls under the lab's accredited scope.

Commercial

Certified for a concern found here

Each card names which Richmond findings its current certification covers, and which it doesn't.

As an Amazon Associate, PurityMap earns from qualifying purchases. A product appears here only when a current certification record covers at least one identified concern; every concern stays listed. The retail offer is looked up afterwards and never changes which products appear or their order. Affiliate disclosure.

Under-Sink Filter

Aquasana Claryum 3-Stage Max Flow Under-Sink Filter (AQ-6300M)

  • Lead: eligible, evidence match
Not suitable for (5)
  • Treating every tap in the home
  • A whole-home hard-water or scale problem
  • All PFAS: its evidence covers only the compounds it names
  • Anyone who can't plumb, drill or hire an installer
  • Renters who can't modify plumbing
Countertop System

Aquasana Clean Water Machine Countertop Filter (AQ-CWM2)

  • Lead: eligible, evidence match
Not suitable for (3)
  • Treating every tap in the home
  • A whole-home hard-water or scale problem
  • All PFAS: its evidence covers only the compounds it names
See all 9 products certified for a Richmond concern →
Countertop System

AquaTru Classic Countertop Reverse-Osmosis Purifier (AT2000)

  • Lead: eligible, evidence match
Not suitable for (3)
  • Treating every tap in the home
  • A whole-home hard-water or scale problem
  • All PFAS: its evidence covers only the compounds it names
Water Pitcher

Culligan ZeroWater 10-Cup Pitcher (ZEROP10)

  • Lead: eligible, evidence match
Not suitable for (3)
  • Treating every tap in the home
  • A whole-home hard-water or scale problem
  • All PFAS: its evidence covers only the compounds it names
Faucet Attachment

Faucet-Mount Filter

  • Lead: eligible, evidence match
Not suitable for (3)
  • Treating every tap in the home
  • A whole-home hard-water or scale problem
  • All PFAS: its evidence covers only the compounds it names
Under-Sink Filter

Under-Sink Carbon Block Filter

  • Lead: eligible, evidence match
Not suitable for (4)
  • Treating every tap in the home
  • A whole-home hard-water or scale problem
  • All PFAS: its evidence covers only the compounds it names
  • Anyone who can't plumb, drill or hire an installer
Under-Sink Filter

Under-Sink Reverse-Osmosis System

  • Lead: eligible, evidence match
Not suitable for (5)
  • Treating every tap in the home
  • A whole-home hard-water or scale problem
  • All PFAS: its evidence covers only the compounds it names
  • Anyone who can't plumb, drill or hire an installer
  • Renters who can't modify plumbing
Under-Sink Filter

Waterdrop G3P600 Tankless Reverse-Osmosis System

  • Lead: eligible, evidence match
Not suitable for (5)
  • Treating every tap in the home
  • A whole-home hard-water or scale problem
  • All PFAS: its evidence covers only the compounds it names
  • Anyone who can't plumb, drill or hire an installer
  • Renters who can't modify plumbing
Refrigerator Filter

Whirlpool Filter 3 Refrigerator Water Filter (WHR3RXD1)

  • Lead: eligible, evidence match
Not suitable for (3)
  • Treating every tap in the home
  • A whole-home hard-water or scale problem
  • All PFAS: its evidence covers only the compounds it names
Questions

Frequently asked questions

Is Richmond tap water safe to drink?

PurityMap does not give a safe/unsafe verdict; it shows what the public records measured. For Richmond, no regulated PFAS were detected in EPA's 2024 testing; the lead 90th-percentile result was 3.59 µg/L against the 15 µg/L action level. RICHMOND, CITY OF (PWSID VA4760100) has a Purity Score of 92/100 (confidence: high), assessed at the water-system level and computed only from contaminants that were measured. Water can change in your own pipes, so a certified test is the only way to know what comes out of your tap.

Who provides tap water in Richmond?

RICHMOND, CITY OF (PWS ID VA4760100) is the public water system on record for Richmond, Virginia, serving about 233,655 people. Confirm the utility on your water bill before acting on a specific finding.

Where does Richmond get its drinking water?

Surface water (primary source of record in EPA SDWIS).

Are PFAS "forever chemicals" in Richmond's water?

None of the 29 PFAS in EPA's UCMR 5 testing (2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21) was detected. "Not detected" means below the lab's reporting limit, not proven zero.

Is there lead in Richmond's tap water?

RICHMOND, CITY OF's most recent lead 90th-percentile result (2023–2025) was 3.59 µg/L, below the 15 µg/L action level. That figure comes from sampled homes; lead usually enters from a building's own pipes and fixtures, so only a test at your tap tells you what you drink.

What does the latest Richmond water report show?

PurityMap's current record for Richmond holds 34 findings: 4 detected within the reference and 30 not detected. Each finding links to its dated public record; a parameter that was never monitored is shown as pending, not as a pass.

Is Richmond's water hard?

Richmond's water is recorded as 3.6 gpg, moderately hard. Hardness is an aesthetic and plumbing characteristic, not a health-based limit.

Follow this water

Follow Richmond's water

One email when a new sampling round is published, a result moves above or below its reference, or the system's score changes.

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Sources and dataAll 34 records and their sourcesEPA UCMR 5 · EPA SDWIS (Lead & Copper Rule) · Utility CCR
ContaminantResultBenchmarkSampledSource
Total trihalomethanes (TTHM)34 ppb80 ppb federal MCL2024City of Richmond Dept. of Public Utilities 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
Haloacetic acids (HAA5)25 ppb60 ppb federal MCL2024City of Richmond Dept. of Public Utilities 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
Lead (90th percentile)3.59 µg/L15 µg/L federal action level2023–2025 monitoring periodLead & Copper Rule 90th-percentile: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Water hardness3.6 gpgAesthetic, no federal health limit2024City of Richmond Dept. of Public Utilities 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)
30 other contaminants tested — none detected
ContaminantResultBenchmarkSampledSource
11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUdS)< 5 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecane sulfonic acid (8:2 FTS)< 5 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (4:2 FTS)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS)< 5 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
9-Chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS)< 2 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) (GenX chemicals)< 5 ng/L10 ng/L federal MCL (2024)2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Lithium< 9 µg/L10 µg/L EPA health reference level (screening, not a legal limit)Screening level, not a legal limit2023-10-30 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NEtFOSAA)< 5 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-10-30 to 2024-10-08UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NMeFOSAA)< 6 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-10-30 to 2024-10-08UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid (NFDHA)< 20 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluoro (2-ethoxyethane) sulfonic acid (PFEESA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMPA)< 4 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid (PFMBA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)< 3 ng/L2,000 ng/L EPA health advisory (screening, not a legal limit)Screening level, not a legal limit2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)< 5 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)< 3 ng/L10 ng/L federal MCL (2024)2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)< 3 ng/L400,000 ng/L Michigan EGLE state MCL (strictest US state)2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)< 4 ng/L10 ng/L federal MCL (2024)2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)< 4 ng/L4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024)2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)< 4 ng/L4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024)2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS)< 4 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)< 3 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTA)< 8 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-10-30 to 2024-10-08UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)< 7 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-10-30 to 2024-10-08UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)
Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)< 2 ng/LNo federal or state limit; shown for transparency2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)

Total trihalomethanes (TTHM)

Result
34 ppb
Benchmark
80 ppb federal MCL
Sampled
2024

Haloacetic acids (HAA5)

Result
25 ppb
Benchmark
60 ppb federal MCL
Sampled
2024

Lead (90th percentile)

Result
3.59 µg/L
Benchmark
15 µg/L federal action level
Sampled
2023–2025 monitoring period

Water hardness

Result
3.6 gpg
Benchmark
Aesthetic, no federal health limit
Sampled
2024
30 other contaminants tested — none detected

11-Chloroeicosafluoro-3-oxaundecane-1-sulfonic acid (11Cl-PF3OUdS)

Result
< 5 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorodecane sulfonic acid (8:2 FTS)

Result
< 5 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (4:2 FTS)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (6:2 FTS)

Result
< 5 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

4,8-Dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (ADONA)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

9-Chlorohexadecafluoro-3-oxanone-1-sulfonic acid (9Cl-PF3ONS)

Result
< 2 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) (GenX chemicals)

Result
< 5 ng/L
Benchmark
10 ng/L federal MCL (2024)
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Lithium

Result
< 9 µg/L
Benchmark
10 µg/L EPA health reference level (screening, not a legal limit)Screening level, not a legal limit
Sampled
2023-10-30 to 2024-08-21

N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NEtFOSAA)

Result
< 5 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-10-30 to 2024-10-08

N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid (NMeFOSAA)

Result
< 6 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-10-30 to 2024-10-08

Nonafluoro-3,6-dioxaheptanoic acid (NFDHA)

Result
< 20 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Perfluoro (2-ethoxyethane) sulfonic acid (PFEESA)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Perfluoro-3-methoxypropanoic acid (PFMPA)

Result
< 4 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Perfluoro-4-methoxybutanoic acid (PFMBA)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
2,000 ng/L EPA health advisory (screening, not a legal limit)Screening level, not a legal limit
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA)

Result
< 5 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
10 ng/L federal MCL (2024)
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
400,000 ng/L Michigan EGLE state MCL (strictest US state)
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)

Result
< 4 ng/L
Benchmark
10 ng/L federal MCL (2024)
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)

Result
< 4 ng/L
Benchmark
4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024)
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)

Result
< 4 ng/L
Benchmark
4.0 ng/L federal MCL (2024)
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS)

Result
< 4 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA)

Result
< 3 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Perfluorotetradecanoic acid (PFTA)

Result
< 8 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-10-30 to 2024-10-08

Perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA)

Result
< 7 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-10-30 to 2024-10-08

Perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA)

Result
< 2 ng/L
Benchmark
No federal or state limit; shown for transparency
Sampled
2023-12-28 to 2024-08-21

Every value is the published result from the cited public record. A reporting limit is the lowest level the method could reliably quantify; a non-detect is not a guarantee of zero.

  • UCMR5 Analytical Results

    UCMR5 Analytical Results: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)

    US EPA

    Published
    2026-01-15
    Newest sample
    2024-10-08
    Findings here
    30
  • State SDWIS Compliance Record

    Lead & Copper Rule 90th-percentile: RICHMOND, CITY OF (VA4760100)

    US EPA SDWIS

    Published
    2026-07-09
    Newest sample
    2025
    Findings here
    1
  • Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)

    City of Richmond Dept. of Public Utilities 2024 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR)

    City of Richmond Dept. of Public Utilities

    Published
    2024-01-01
    Newest sample
    2024
    Findings here
    3

Methodology: how we analyze water. Prepared with AI assistance and reviewed by the PurityMap Editorial Team before publication.