F7/100
Madison Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 13,274 residents · Virginia
What's In Madison'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 |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.009 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
10
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
8
Health-Related
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
Maximum contaminant level violation
When: July 8, 2024 – July 10, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Missed required monitoring deadline
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 8, 2024 – July 10, 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: July 4, 2024 – July 10, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 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: April 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: 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
WILDERNESS
Population Served
13,274
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
VA6137999
Frequently Asked Questions About Madison Water
Is Madison tap water safe to drink?
Madison, Virginia tap water receives a grade of F (7/100), 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 Madison's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Madison'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 Madison have any water quality violations?
Yes, Madison has 26 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include MCL, TT, RPT. 16 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Madison?
Madison 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 Madison's tap water come from?
Madison's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by WILDERNESS. The system serves approximately 13,274 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Madison'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. Madison'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 Madison's water compare to other cities in Virginia?
Madison's water quality score of 7/100 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 Madison's water quality?
If you have concerns about Madison'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 (WILDERNESS) 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.