Is Richmond Tap Water Safe To Drink?
Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.
Tap water in Richmond, Virginia, is generally safe to drink. Richmond’s Department of Public Utilities treats and tests the city’s water to meet federal and Virginia drinking water standards.
Water quality can be affected by temporary boil-water advisories or plumbing containing lead, especially in older buildings. If an advisory is issued, follow the city’s instructions, and use cold tap water for drinking and cooking after flushing the faucet briefly.
Last checked: 2026-08-31
United States is ranked as number 15 globally with a score of 96.2% in the water quality EPI research conducted by Yale University.
Source of Water in Richmond, United States
Richmond’s tap water comes primarily from the James River. The city collects this surface water and sends it to the Richmond Water Treatment Plant for purification.
Treatment includes filtration and disinfection to meet federal and Virginia drinking water standards. The finished water is then distributed through Richmond’s public water system to homes and businesses.
Richmond Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Richmond, Virginia, are generally safe to use because they are supplied by regulated municipal drinking water that is treated and tested to meet federal and state standards. Most fountains are suitable for routine use when they are clean, functioning properly, and connected to the public water system.
Avoid a fountain that is visibly dirty, damaged, stagnant, or marked out of service. Follow any posted boil-water or water-quality advisory, since advisories temporarily change whether tap water and public fountains should be used.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Richmond. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions. For easy access on the go, download our iOS app to find water fountains nearby.
Nearby Places
About the Author
Hi, I'm Emily Hartman, a researcher and water quality specialist with a background in public health.
I've spent the last few years studying how everyday water systems impact our health, and I'm passionate about making that information clear and useful for everyone.
Safe, clean tap water isn't just my job, it's something I truly care about.