City of Winchester Water Company

Our tap water, provided by Winchester Public Utilities, meets or exceeds nearly all state and federal standards for municipal water quality. The water undergoes rigorous quality monitoring and testing as required by regulations.

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) remains the primary legislation ensuring public health protection in water supplies. This water quality report, mandated by the Safe Water Drinking Act Amendments of 1996, aims to keep you informed about our water quality performance.

Every Winchester Public Utilities employee is committed to delivering water of exceptional quality. Our Virginia Department of Health certified laboratory at the Percy D. Miller Water Treatment Plant continuously analyzes water throughout the treatment process to ensure superior quality water reaches our customers.

Your water comes from the North Fork of the Shenandoah River, which supplies Winchester with an average of 6.73 million gallons daily or 2.46 billion gallons annually as of 2017. Our treatment plant, operational since 1954, has been upgraded regularly to meet new regulations and water demands.

Water undergoes a comprehensive six-step process before being distributed through 125 miles of pipeline to reach your home. Winchester Public Utilities operates continuously to provide reliable, high-quality drinking water while ensuring sufficient supply, customer satisfaction, and environmental protection of our water source.

For questions or concerns, please contact us at 540-667-2161.

Source Water Assessment: Evaluations for the City of Winchester were completed by the Virginia Department of Health on April and September 10, 2002. These assessments determined that our primary water source, North Fork Shenandoah River, may be vulnerable to contamination due to its surface water nature and exposure to various environmental conditions that could affect water quality. For more specific information, please call 540-667-2161.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides valuable information about municipal water safety and public health. Their resources can help Winchester residents understand potential health impacts related to water quality.

1. Where does City of Winchester water come from?
   City of Winchester supplies surface water to Winchester, Virginia.
2. Does City of Winchester test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, City of Winchester must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact City of Winchester?
   Call 540-667-1815 or visit 15 North Cameron Street, Winchester, VA 22601, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does City of Winchester water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is City of Winchester water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.