The Newport News Waterworks Department recently issued its annual Drinking Water Quality Reports summarizing test results from 2015 for treated surface water on the Lower Peninsula and the Lightfoot System located in upper York County. The drinking water is treated and tested using state-of-the-art equipment and advanced procedures, and it meets or exceeds state and federal standards.
Newport News’ tap water exceeds the highest standards set for drinking water quality and this water comes delivered straight to homes at a fraction of the cost of bottled water. Two gallons of water from a faucet costs less than a penny, while a single gallon of bottled water from the store can cost upward of $1.29. Using tap water also saves money and avoids filling up landfills with plastic bottles.
Each annual water quality report or “Consumer Confidence Report” is written, prepared, and distributed by Newport News Waterworks as required by the Safe Drinking Water Act. It is reviewed and approved by the Virginia Department of Health. The reports explain where the source water comes from, what tests show about it, and other specifics our customers should know about their drinking water. The water is tested for the presence of more than 100 substances, and these reports include a chart showing the levels of several regulated and non-regulated substances detected in 2015.
Expanded versions of both reports (featuring additional test results) are available online at
Water Quality Report. Paper copies of these reports are available at all local libraries in the Waterworks service area, our walk-in services lobby, and in City Halls and County offices in our service area - Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, York County and part of James City County. To request a paper copy, call 757-926-1000 and one will be mailed to you.