Newport News' drinking water is supplied by Newport News Waterworks, which also serves Hampton, Poquoson, York County, and portions of James City County. The primary water sources are the Diascund Creek Reservoir and the Chickahominy River, with water stored in a network of reservoirs before being treated and distributed to homes throughout the city.

Newport News' drinking water meets all federal and state drinking water standards. Like nearly every municipal water system, it contains disinfectants, disinfection byproducts, naturally occurring minerals, fluoride, and trace levels of regulated contaminants.

According to Newport News Waterworks, treated water contains chloramines, trihalomethanes (TTHMs), haloacetic acids (HAAs), fluoride, and naturally occurring minerals, all within current EPA regulations. Many homeowners choose whole home water filtration and reverse osmosis to further improve taste, odor, and overall water quality.

Water treatment chemicals are added to destroy bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms before the water reaches your home. Newport News Waterworks also uses ozone and chloramines for disinfection, adjusts pH to help protect the distribution system, and adds fluoride to promote dental health.

The reality is that municipal water is about as safe as a public utility can reasonably deliver through miles of underground water mains. The only practical way to further reduce disinfectants and disinfection byproducts is with treatment installed inside your home.

Yes. Newport News' drinking water meets all EPA and Virginia Department of Health drinking water standards.

Many homeowners, however, are looking for more than water that simply meets minimum regulatory requirements. Whole home water filtration and reverse osmosis systems can further reduce chlorine, chloramine byproducts, PFAS, fluoride, and other contaminants while improving the taste and quality of drinking water.

According to Newport News Waterworks, the city's water is considered moderately hard, averaging 69 mg/L (about 4 grains per gallon) with a typical range of 63–75 mg/L. Some homeowners choose a water softener for softer-feeling water and additional scale protection, while others prefer whole home filtration with reverse osmosis. The best solution depends on your water quality and personal preferences.

Yes. Even if your water leaves the treatment plant in excellent condition, your home's plumbing can still affect water quality. Older plumbing materials, stagnant water, and aging fixtures can contribute to elevated lead or copper levels in some homes.

Newport News Waterworks recommends running cold water for a few minutes after water has been sitting in the pipes before using it for drinking or cooking.

We encourage homeowners to review the Newport News Waterworks Consumer Confidence Report, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Tap Water Database, and the Virginia Department of Health Office of Drinking Water to learn more about local water quality and treatment practices.

Most homes in Newport News are served by Newport News Waterworks, but a small number of properties may rely on private wells.

Because every well is different, we recommend certified laboratory testing before selecting a treatment system. Based on your laboratory results, Patriot Water Systems can recommend a customized solution that may include whole home water filtration, a water softener, iron or sulfur removal, reverse osmosis, or a complete well water treatment system.