Drinking Water and Water Resources

Water Quality and Safety

The Utilities Department diligently ensures that water is safely and efficiently delivered to customers. Chesterfield County water consumers can be assured that the water they drink meets or exceeds federal drinking-water standards. The water-quality testing program is aggressive in meeting the standards, representing far more additional tests beyond the minimum levels required by law.

Maintaining the water quality in the James River and the Chesapeake Bay is equally as important to the social and economic future of Chesterfield County and the commonwealth of Virginia. The Proctors Creek and the Falling Creek wastewater treatment plants play significant roles in achieving this goal by consistently meeting all environmental regulations.

Both plants have received awards of excellence from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, and the Virginia Water Environment Association. In 2013, nutrient upgrades were completed for both plants. These facility upgrades help ensure that Chesterfield County is a responsible steward of the environment and better protect the James River and Chesapeake Bay.

Water Sources

Chesterfield County has three water sources:

View the Chesterfield County water sources map (PDF).

The Story of Drinking Water

Do you know the story of drinking water? Learn more on the American Water Works Association's DrinkTap.org

Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Testing Program

Chesterfield has a very aggressive water quality testing program to ensure we provide the highest quality water service to our customers. Most recently, in May 2021, we voluntarily participated in the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) PFAS testing program. All values were either below method detection limit (not detected) or below practical quantitation limits (where values are below a concentration where they can be measured with a high degree of confidence). With significant increases in laboratory technology, the testing detection and quantifiable limits are extremely low, well below the long-term EPA health advisory limits or any of the limits set by multiple states across the country. We are very fortunate in Chesterfield County, as other locations around the United States are struggling with expensive treatment programs due to their testing results.

View the complete VDH PFAS Sample Study Summary (PDF) and find Chesterfield-specific information on page 10, table 2. Samples with PFAS below the practical quantitation limit (PQL) list the results for the Chesterfield County Central Water System (including all three of our drinking-water suppliers). The results are below the PQL. For further information on health concerns and PFAS, please visit the Environmental Protection Agency website.

Drinking Water Sample Program

  1. Chesterfield County Utilities Sampling Program
  2. If You Are Asked for a Water Sample

Chesterfield County Utilities does have a rigorous water-sampling program, so you may meet utilities staff from time to time. Following are examples of sampling routinely performed by utilities personnel:

  • Monthly bacteriological compliance sampling at 150 predetermined sites, but occasionally staff may approach different customers to collect samples if a designated sample site is unavailable or for follow-up sampling.
  • Line-break or tie-in follow-up sampling, by request, if there is a waterline break or when a new waterline is installed in the area to ensure there has been no contamination of the water during the repair or connection.
  • Lead and copper study or water quality parameter sampling is performed at predetermined sites, but occasionally staff may approach customers to collect samples if a designated sample site is unavailable. Lead and copper sampling does require the customer to collect a sample first thing in the morning before any other water is used so a container will be provided along with sampling instructions.
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