D22/100
Gate City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 2,034 residents · Virginia
What's In Gate City's Tap Water?
1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.005 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
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: September 29, 2023 – December 5, 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
GATE CITY, TOWN OF
Population Served
2,034
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
VA1169405
Frequently Asked Questions About Gate City Water
Is Gate City tap water safe to drink?
Gate City, Virginia tap water receives a grade of D (22/100), which is considered poor. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 47 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Gate City's water?
Of the 1 contaminants tested in Gate City's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Gate City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Gate City has 47 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MR, MON, Other. 7 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Gate City?
Gate City 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. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Gate City's tap water come from?
Gate City's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by GATE CITY, TOWN OF. The system serves approximately 2,034 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Gate City'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. Gate City'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 Gate City's water compare to other cities in Virginia?
Gate City's water quality score of 22/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. 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 Gate City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Gate City'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 (GATE CITY, 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.