Virginia Beach Tap Water
Water provider: Virginia Beach Department of Public Utilities (Virginia Beach, VA)
Our recommendation
Premium filter strongly recommended
Your water has contaminants that require stronger filtration (heavy metals, PFAS, or limits exceeded). Reverse osmosis is the recommended tier.
See recommended water filters →What is in the water
Trihalomethanes (THMs)
DetectedDisinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter. Long-term exposure linked to cancer risk.
EWG tracks THMs in chlorinated Tidewater systems.
Nitrates
DetectedCommon in agricultural areas from fertiliser runoff. Particularly dangerous for infants.
Regional reservoir and river blending keeps nitrate monitoring active.
Lead
DetectedA heavy metal that leaches from older plumbing. No safe exposure level for children. Linked to developmental and cognitive harm.
Older plumbing remains the primary lead exposure pathway rather than source water.
PFAS (forever chemicals)
DetectedPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Bioaccumulate in the body. Linked to cancer, immune effects, and hormone disruption.
Coastal Virginia systems are under active PFAS scrutiny. Check the live EWG page for the current above-guideline indicator.
Source
Data from the EWG Tap Water Database, Virginia Beach Department of Public Utilities (2024). Last reviewed 2026-05-25.
Note: Contaminant levels vary by address (older plumbing can leach lead even when the source water does not), sampling location, and time of year. The figures above reflect utility-wide averages from the most recent public report. If you have specific health concerns, request a full report from your utility or test your own tap water.