F16/100
Stafford Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 123,684 residents · Virginia
What's In Stafford's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOS | 0.005 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
chlorate | 272.33 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2016.
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
STAFFORD COUNTY UTILITIES
Population Served
123,684
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
VA6179100
Frequently Asked Questions About Stafford Water
Is Stafford tap water safe to drink?
Stafford, Virginia tap water receives a grade of F (16/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 69 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Stafford's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Stafford's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, chlorate. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Stafford have any water quality violations?
Yes, Stafford has 69 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2016. Violation types include MR, TT. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Stafford?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Stafford 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 Stafford's tap water come from?
Stafford's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by STAFFORD COUNTY UTILITIES. The system serves approximately 123,684 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Stafford'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. Stafford'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 Stafford's water compare to other cities in Virginia?
Stafford's water quality score of 16/100 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 Stafford's water quality?
If you have concerns about Stafford'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 (STAFFORD COUNTY UTILITIES) 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.