Fort Lee Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

American Water serves this area, purchasing its supply from two sources: Virginia American Water Company, located in Hopewell, and the Appomattox River Water Authority, based in Petersburg. The utility delivers approximately 1.5 million gallons per day across the service area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA under PWSID VA 3149247. Supply is treated at dedicated facilities using chloramines or chlorine dioxide disinfection before distribution, with a residual average of 1.71 mg/L, and all treated water meets federal and state standards before reaching customers.

The water supply originates from the Appomattox River watershed, flowing through the Piedmont physiographic region of central Virginia. Underlying geology consists primarily of Precambrian to Paleozoic metamorphic and granitic bedrock — schist, gneiss, and granite formations that are relatively resistant to weathering and dissolution. This crystalline character, distinct from the carbonate-rich Appalachian Valley to the west, produces a naturally soft supply with minimal dissolved calcium and magnesium ions, explaining the low hardness profile.

At 33.5 mg/L, this is soft water, offering practical advantages for daily use. Scale buildup in pipes and appliances is minimal, extending the lifespan of water heaters and dishwashers without significant intervention. Most residents will not require a water softener, and soap and detergent lather effectively. The water has a neutral pH of 7.2 and alkalinity of 20 mg/L; lead was not detected, and copper at the 90th percentile (0.120 mg/L) is well below the 1.3 mg/L action level. Fluoride is present at trace levels below the 4.0 mg/L MCL. No MCL violations have been recorded.