C46/100

Front Royal Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 16,500 residents · Virginia

What's In Front Royal's Tap Water?

69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
chlorate
554.52 µg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

11

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

0

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: March 2, 2025 – April 16, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: March 2, 2025 – April 16, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2024 – March 8, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2024 – January 31, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed to conduct Level 2 Assessment

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: May 2, 2023 – August 25, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2022 – May 31, 2022Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2022 – April 30, 2022Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: 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

FRONT ROYAL, TOWN OF
Population Served

15,000

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

VA2187406

HIGH KNOB
Population Served

1,500

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

VA2187522

Frequently Asked Questions About Front Royal Water

Is Front Royal tap water safe to drink?

Front Royal, Virginia tap water receives a grade of C (46/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 62 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Front Royal's water?

Of the 70 contaminants tested in Front Royal's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Front Royal have any water quality violations?

Yes, Front Royal has 62 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, MON. 8 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Front Royal?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Front Royal is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.

Where does Front Royal's tap water come from?

Front Royal's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by FRONT ROYAL, TOWN OF and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 16,500 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Front Royal'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. Front Royal'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 Front Royal's water compare to other cities in Virginia?

Front Royal's water quality score of 46/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Virginia state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Front Royal's water quality?

If you have concerns about Front Royal'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 (FRONT ROYAL, TOWN OF) 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.

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