PFAS in Drinking Water in Virginia
What residents of Virginia need to know about PFAS ("forever chemicals") in drinking water — including contamination sources, which utilities have documented violations, and how to filter PFAS from tap water.
Source: EPA SDWIS, Virginia DEQ, CDC · Last reviewed: 2025-01-01
Quick Answer
Is PFAS in drinking water a real concern in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia has extensive PFAS contamination from one of the largest concentrations of military installations in the country. Langley AFB (Hampton Roads), Oceana Naval Air Station (Virginia Beach), Marine Corps Base Quantico (Prince William County), Fort Belvoir (Fairfax County), and Naval Station Norfolk (world's largest naval station) have all documented AFFF-related PFAS contamination.
Where does PFAS come from in Virginia?
Virginia's Hampton Roads metro area — home to Langley AFB, NAS Oceana, Norfolk Naval Station, and other installations — represents one of the largest concentrations of military PFAS sources in the U.S. AFFF from flight operations at Langley and Oceana has contaminated groundwater in portions of Hampton, Newport News, and Virginia Beach. Quantico Marine Base and Fort Belvoir in Northern Virginia's suburban Washington corridor have also documented AFFF plumes affecting Potomac River tributary groundwater.
What should Virginia residents know?
Hampton Roads communities near Langley AFB, Virginia Beach near NAS Oceana, Northern Virginia communities near Quantico and Fort Belvoir, and private well users in Stafford, Prince William, and Fairfax counties face elevated risk. Virginia DEQ has conducted statewide PFAS monitoring under UCMR5 and is working with affected utilities on treatment assessments.
Key Facts
| EPA MCL (PFOA/PFOS) | 4 ppt — effective April 2024 |
| MCLG | Zero |
| Primary contamination sources | NAS Oceana (Virginia Beach), Langley AFB (Hampton), Quantico (Northern VA), Fort Belvoir (Fairfax County), Norfolk Naval Station |
| Scale | Virginia has more military installations than nearly any other state — widespread PFAS source footprint |
| State regulator | Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) |
| Health effects | Cancer (kidney, testicular), thyroid disruption, immune effects, developmental toxicity |
| Effective treatment | Reverse osmosis or GAC; Hampton Roads utilities evaluating treatment under new MCL |
Why PFAS Matters in Virginia
Virginia's PFAS contamination picture reflects its status as the most militarized state in the country by number of installations and personnel. The Hampton Roads area alone hosts more military installations than most states have in total. NAS Oceana — the Navy's master jet base on the East Coast — has documented AFFF contamination of Virginia Beach area groundwater. Langley AFB's PFAS plumes affect portions of Hampton. In Northern Virginia, Quantico Marine Base and Fort Belvoir represent significant PFAS sources near one of the most densely populated suburban corridors in the country. Virginia DEQ has been engaged with the military on assessment and remediation.
Virginia PFAS Regulation
Virginia DEQ participates in UCMR5 monitoring and has assessed PFAS at Langley AFB (Hampton), Oceana NAS (Virginia Beach), Quantico Marine Corps Base, Fort Belvoir, and multiple other military installations in one of the most military-dense states in the country. Virginia's extensive military presence means PFAS from AFFF is widespread, though concentrations vary by proximity to contamination sources. Virginia follows the federal MCL with no additional state standard.
Largest Virginia Water Utilities
No PFAS violations on record in EPA SDWIS for Virginia utilities in our database. Browse the largest utilities to review their full water quality record.
What Are PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)?
PFAS are a family of over 12,000 synthetic chemicals used in non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, and AFFF firefighting foam. Their carbon-fluorine bonds do not break down in the environment or the body — hence the name “forever chemicals.” AFFF used at military bases is the single largest source of PFAS in U.S. drinking water.
Full PFAS overview — national data, health effects, all 50 statesWho Should Pay Closest Attention
Hampton Roads residents in Virginia Beach (near NAS Oceana), Hampton (near Langley), and Newport News; Northern Virginia residents in Stafford, Prince William, and Fairfax counties near Quantico and Fort Belvoir; and private well users in these areas face the highest documented risk.
Residents near military bases with AFFF use history
Private well owners near military or industrial sites
Pregnant residents and families with young children
Residents in communities with documented PFAS detections
Anyone who has consumed water above 4 ppt for an extended period
Residents near airports, fire training areas, or industrial manufacturers
How to Check Your Situation in Virginia
- 1
Identify your water utility using the ZIP lookup below or by browsing the Virginia utility directory on this site.
- 2
Review your utility's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — it must report PFAS monitoring results under UCMR5 and the new MCL.
- 3
Check the EPA's ECHO database for your utility's monitoring history. Look for PFAS, PFOA, PFOS, and related compound results.
- 4
Contact your utility directly and ask for their most recent PFAS test results and whether they are implementing treatment under the 2024 MCL.
- 5
If you use a private well near a military base, airport, or industrial facility, order a PFAS panel test from a state-certified laboratory. Tests typically cost $150–$400.
- 6
If PFAS is detected above 4 ppt in your source water, install a certified NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis system or an NSF/ANSI 53-certified activated carbon filter rated for PFAS removal.
How to Remove PFAS from Tap Water
Reverse Osmosis (Best)
90–99% removal — NSF/ANSI 58 certified systems only
Certified Activated Carbon
Effective with NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 certification — verify before buying
Boiling concentrates PFAS. Standard pitcher filters and water softeners do not remove PFAS. Always verify NSF certification before purchasing.
Take Action Now
Look up your Virginia utility's PFAS monitoring history on the PFAS Watchlist below.
If your utility has detected PFAS above 4 ppt, install an NSF/ANSI 58-certified reverse osmosis system at your drinking tap.
Private well owners near military or industrial sites should order a PFAS panel test ($150–$400 at a state-certified lab).
Request your utility's most recent Consumer Confidence Report — PFAS results must be disclosed under the new 2024 MCL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Pages
PFAS — National Overview
All U.S. utilities with PFAS records
Virginia PFAS Watchlist
Live utility PFAS monitoring data
Virginia State Overview
All utilities and water quality data
Reverse Osmosis Guide
Removes 90–99% of PFAS
Activated Carbon Filter Guide
NSF/ANSI 53/58 certified options for PFAS
Arsenic in Drinking Water
Another priority contaminant
All Contaminants
Complete reference library
Data Sources & Provenance
All data on this page is sourced from official U.S. government or public datasets.
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