A92/100
Hanover Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 57,931 residents · Virginia
What's In Hanover's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 777.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 1991.
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
HANOVER SUBURBAN WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
57,931
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
VA4085398
Frequently Asked Questions About Hanover Water
Is Hanover tap water safe to drink?
Hanover, Virginia tap water receives a grade of A (92/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 76 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 1 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Hanover's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Hanover's water supply, the most notable include chlorate. 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 Hanover have any water quality violations?
Yes, Hanover has 1 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 1991. Violation types include MCL. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Hanover?
Hanover 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 Hanover's tap water come from?
Hanover's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by HANOVER SUBURBAN WATER SYSTEM. The system serves approximately 57,931 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Hanover'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. Hanover'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 Hanover's water compare to other cities in Virginia?
Hanover's water quality score of 92/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Hanover among the better-performing water systems in Virginia. Visit our Virginia state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Hanover's water quality?
If you have concerns about Hanover'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 (HANOVER SUBURBAN 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.