Colonial Heights Water Hardness & Quality Report (2026)

The City of Colonial Heights Department of Public Works manages the drinking water supply (PWSID: 3570150), sourced exclusively from Lake Chesdin, a reservoir on the Appomattox River. Water is treated by the Chesapeake Bay Authority at their facility before distribution to the city of Colonial Heights, a small independent city in central Virginia adjacent to Petersburg, covering approximately 7.5 square miles. Inquiries may be directed to Todd Flippen, Director of Public Works, at (804) 520-9372. The 2023 Water Quality Report and 2025 Consumer Confidence Report are available via the city's website.

Lake Chesdin lies within the Appomattox River watershed, spanning the Fall Line transition from Piedmont to Coastal Plain physiographic provinces. Underlying geology features Precambrian to Paleozoic metamorphic rocks including greenschist and amphibolite in the uplands, with Triassic sedimentary basins contributing clays and sandstones nearer the reservoir. The moderately mineralised character stems from gradual leaching of mafic minerals and carbonates from the Virginia Piedmont terrane's weathered regolith and riverbed, producing harder water than rainfall-dominated soft surface supplies but softer than limestone karst regions.

Moderately hard water promotes limescale buildup in pipes, water heaters, dishwashers, and washing machines, reducing efficiency and lifespan by 30–50%. Faucet aerators, showerheads, and coffee makers clog quickly, raising energy bills and causing spotty glassware. Monthly vinegar descaling, annual water heater flushing, and installing scale-inhibiting filters are recommended. A water softener is often advisable to prevent spotting and extend appliance life. The 2023 report confirms EPA compliance, with one of 30 lead samples exceeding the 15 ppb action level and zero copper exceedances; two contaminants exceed EPA MCLGs but meet legal MCL limits.