The ACSA Releases 2026 Water Quality Reports: Behind the Scenes of Safe, Reliable Water

What the 2026 ACSA Water Quality Reports Show

You expect your drinking water to be safe.

Not most of the time. Every time.

That expectation is consistently met in Albemarle County through constant testing, advanced treatment and a system designed to catch potential issues before they reach your home.

The Albemarle County Service Authority (ACSA) takes a proactive approach to monitoring and maintaining water quality. This means customers can trust their drinking water is safe, reliable and meets or exceeds all federal and state standards.

The 2026 water quality reports turn that work into something you can see: clear, transparent data that confirms your water is safe to drink.

Is Water Safe Across All Areas of Albemarle County? 

Across Urban areas, Crozet, Scottsville and Red Hill, the results are consistent. No violations. No surprises.

Water is tested regularly throughout the system — from the original water source to the moment it reaches your home. The ACSA designs and manages this process to support Albemarle County water testing and monitoring while maintaining quality at every stage.

The People Behind Safe, Reliable Water

Safe water doesn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of ongoing investment, modern treatment and a system designed to perform consistently.

“Water quality testing begins in the treatment plants with the source water, and it continues with each step of the treatment process,” says ACSA Environmental Compliance Supervisor Tim Brown. “As the water then makes its way to customers’ homes and businesses, we monitor it along its path, testing as frequently as weekly to confirm the absence of any bacteria and that there is sufficient chlorine disinfectant for safety.”

Processes like granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration help reduce disinfection byproducts, improve taste and odor, and provide an added layer of protection against emerging contaminants.

Each year, the ACSA water quality reports are carefully prepared to document that work, capturing the testing, treatment and safeguards that ensure water quality across the system.

This work is carried out in close partnership with the Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority (RWSA), which operates the region’s treatment facilities. It’s a coordinated effort that brings together expertise, infrastructure and daily operational oversight to deliver consistent results. 

Learn more about the ACSA–RWSA partnership in this behind-the-scenes look.

What Are PFAS and Are They in Albemarle County Water?

PFAS have become a growing topic of concern nationwide, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to how long they persist in the environment.

In Albemarle County, testing for PFAS in water shows that detections are rare and remain well below levels of concern. The ACSA and RWSA actively monitor for PFAS and use treatment methods, including granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration, to provide an added layer of protection.

Learn more about PFAS, how they are monitored and what it means for your water.

What Is a Water Quality Report and Why Does It Matter?

The ACSA water quality reports aren’t just a requirement. They’re a way to make the invisible visible.

Each report is carefully prepared to document the testing, treatment and safeguards that ensure safe drinking water in Albemarle County. It’s a transparent look at what’s in your water and how it’s managed.

How to Read Your Water Quality Report

For those who want to explore the details, the complete 2026 ACSA water quality reports for the Urban area, Crozet, Scottsville and Red Hill are available online.

Most people won’t read these cover to cover. But they are there for a reason: to show exactly why you can trust your water.

For a step-by-step breakdown of how to read your water quality report, visit How do I decipher my water quality report?

Questions About Your Water? Here’s Who to Contact.

If you have questions, you don’t have to figure it out on your own. The ACSA encourages you to reach out directly.

Environmental Compliance Supervisor Tim Brown is available to answer questions, walk you through the report or provide additional context. He can be reached at 434-977-4511, Ext. 119, or at tbrown@serviceauthority.org. Printed copies of the ACSA water quality report are also available upon request.

“Customers can be assured the water delivered to their meter meets all federal and state standards for potability,” Tim says. “This is my, and the ACSA’s, mission every day.”