Is Roanoke Tap Water Safe To Drink?
Yes! The tap water is safe to drink.
Tap water in Roanoke, VA meets all EPA standards for safety and quality, monitored regularly by the city's water department.
Roanoke's water undergoes treatment including filtration and disinfection to remove contaminants and pathogens before distribution.
Annual water quality reports are publicly available, confirming compliance with health guidelines and no significant violations reported in recent years.
Last checked: 2025-07-28
Source of Water in Roanoke, United States
Roanoke's tap water primarily comes from surface water sources, including the Roanoke River and Carvins Cove Reservoir.
These sources provide raw water, which is treated at local water treatment plants before distribution.
The city ensures source protection measures to maintain water quality in these reservoirs and river catchment areas.
Roanoke Drinking Fountains
Public drinking fountains in Roanoke receive treated tap water, meeting EPA safety standards, making the water itself safe to drink.
However, hygiene and maintenance of fountains affect safety; well-maintained fountains reduce risk of contamination.
Users should consider fountain cleanliness and avoid contact with spouts to minimize potential exposure to germs.
Drinking Water Map
Here is a map showing all the locations of drinking water spots in Roanoke. You can click on each water drop to open the spot directly in Google Maps for directions.
Nearby Places
- Rocky Mount
(30 km)
- Greensboro
(133 km)
- Durham
(169 km)
- Richmond
(221 km)
- Rosslyn
(309 km)
- Washington
(311 km)
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.