The Commonwealth of Virginia uses both surface and groundwater sources to keep water flowing to its residents.
Dense populations seeing rapid growth have led to the threat of a shortage in drinking water supplies. A shortage is just the first problem Virginians face.
Significant agricultural and industrial areas contribute greatly to the contamination of many water supplies in the Commonwealth. The EPA (2012) reported that Virginia had some of the most contaminated water supplies in the country.
Fortunately, innovation, engineering, and technology provide ways for Virginians to receive safe drinking water. Many water supplies in the Commonwealth are heavily treated for disinfection and to control contaminants.
Common Water Problems by City
Virginia features many different regions from sprawling beaches to expansive farmland to the Appalachian mountains.
Thus, residents can expect some disparity in water quality and problems, sometimes within the same city.
City | Water Source | Common Problems | Typical Symptoms |
|---|---|---|---|
Virginia Beach | Lake Gaston | Hard Water | Limescale Discoloration |
Norfolk | Lake Prince Lake Burnt Mills Western Branch Reservoir | Hard Water Heavily Treated Water Organic Matter | Limescale Poor Taste Discoloration |
Chesapeake | Northwest River Contractual Purchases | Hard Water | Limescale Dry Skin |
Richmond | James River | Hard Water | Limescale Dry Skin |
Virginia Beach
A pipeline runs over 70 miles from Lake Gaston to supply Virginia Beach with potable water. This large lake provides many of the cities around Virginia Beach with a portion of their water as well.
The city also sources water from nearby Norfolk to supplement the portions coming from Lake Gaston. This source is known to be highly susceptible to contaminants, however, tests show that disinfection and treatment processes ensure safe water for Virginia Beach.
Most residents complain of hard water caused by minerals and earth metals being present. Hard water is safe to drink but causes common symptoms like itchy skin and limescale buildups.
Norfolk
Norfolk sources its water from over ten different suppliers but primarily from Lake Prince, Lake Burnt Mills, and the Western Branch Reservoir.
The water is pulled into multiple treatment plants for disinfection before being sent on to home and businesses.
Norfolk is a highly industrial area that is surrounded by other regions heavy in industry. This can lead to various toxic contaminants entering the water supply, which is why Norfolk uses aggressive treatment methods.
Hard, poor tasting, and discolored water are all reported to occur in Norfolk, Virginia. While none are typically hazardous, it can lead to some frustration for residents.
Poor tasting and discolored water are likely resulting from some non-toxic metals and organic matter being left in the supply. Hard water is caused by the high mineral content coming from the sources.
Chesapeake
The city of Chesapeake sources only a fraction of the water it needs. The rest is supplemented by contracts with the nearby cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth.
The Northwest River provides the water that the city sources for itself. All water is treated at one of two treatment plants. Some of the purchased water is treated before being sent to the city and some is raw water (still requiring treatment).
Hard water is the most prevalent complaint from those using Chesapeake water. It can cause dry skin and leads to limescale. When combined with soap the unsightly soap scum often forms.
Some residents using water from the Norfolk supply may experience discoloration from non-toxic organic matter remaining after treatment. This is typically safe to drink but can cause stains in washing machines.
Richmond
The mighty James River flows through Richmond on its way to the Chesapeake Bay. This is the main source of drinking water available to those residing in the capital of Virginia.
Water is treated at a massive treatment center that can produce over 130 million gallons of treated water per day.
Richmond residents complain of hard water that results in dry, itchy skin when used without home treatment. The hard water can lead to limescale. Limescale can cause a reduction in appliance efficiency and spots on dishware.