Virginia’s Drinking Water Rules and Regulations

Code of Virginia

As early as 1916, the Department of Health has been protecting the purity of drinking water to Virginia citizens. The statutes as stated in the Code of Virginia are periodically amended to:

  • Ensure that all Virginians have safe drinking water;
  • Provide a simple and effective regulatory program for waterworks;
  • Adapt to new health concerns in drinking water treatment and distribution systems; and
  • Provide a means to improve inadequate waterworks.

Code of Virginia – Virginia Public Water Supply Law (PDF)
§32.1-167 through §32.1-176 —Last Amended July 1, 2014
§32.1-170 authorizes the Department of Health, Office of Drinking Water to adopt Administrative Codes to ensure safe drinking water.

Virginia Administrative Code (VAC) for Waterworks Regulations

Title 12 of VAC Agency 5, Chapter 590 (12VAC5-590) is reserved for regulations for public waterworks and was derived from the Virginia Register Volume 37, Issue 20, eff. June 23, 2021; Errata, 37:22 VA.R. 3447 June 21, 2021.The Waterworks Regulations in their entirety are available as PDF files below. Individual sections of the Waterworks Regulations may be found on the Virginia General Assembly Legislative Information System website. (Agency 5, Chapter 590).

Waterworks Regulations 06/2021 (PDF)

Title 12 of VAC Agency 5, Chapter 600 (12VAC5-600) is reserved for the Waterworks Operation Fee and was last amended October 10, 2014. The Waterworks Operation Fee regulations in their entirety are available as PDF files below. Individual sections of the Waterworks Operation Fee regulations can be found on the Virginia General Assembly Legislative Information System website (Agency 5, Chapter 600).

Reduction of Fluoridation Levels in Drinking Water

Virginia Administrative Code (VAC) for Waterworks Technical Assistance Fee

12VAC5-600 Table of Contents (PDF)
Waterworks Operation Fee Regulations (PDF)