F10/100
Buckingham Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 5,759 residents · Virginia
What's In Buckingham's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
8
Violations (last 5yr)
2
Unresolved
7
Health-Related
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Other Violation
When: April 1, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
BUCKINGHAM CO WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
5,759
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
VA5029085
Frequently Asked Questions About Buckingham Water
Is Buckingham tap water safe to drink?
Buckingham, Virginia tap water receives a grade of F (10/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 26 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Buckingham's water?
31 contaminants were tested in Buckingham's water supply. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs) or health goals (MCLGs), which is a positive indicator of water quality.
Does Buckingham have any water quality violations?
Yes, Buckingham has 26 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MCL, Other, MR. 16 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Buckingham?
Buckingham water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. All contaminants are within health goals.
Where does Buckingham's tap water come from?
Buckingham's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by BUCKINGHAM CO WATER SYSTEM. The system serves approximately 5,759 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Buckingham's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Buckingham's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Buckingham's water compare to other cities in Virginia?
Buckingham's water quality score of 10/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Virginia state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Buckingham's water quality?
If you have concerns about Buckingham's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (BUCKINGHAM CO WATER SYSTEM) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.