Water Quality: Charleston, WV
16 water systems • 387,880 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Charleston is served by 16 public water systems with a combined service population of 387,880 people, and has 1,099 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 33 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Charleston's violation count is 175% above the national average for West Virginia. Contaminants associated with violations include Bromate, Chlorine Dioxide, E. coli, Fecal Coliform, TTHM.
Contaminants Found
Probable human carcinogen that increases the risk of kidney and thyroid cancers.
Common source: Ozonation of bromide-containing water; used as flour improver
EPA limit: 0.010 mg/L (10 ppb)
Can cause anemia in infants and young children; may cause nervous system effects at high levels.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant used to control taste, odor, and microorganisms
EPA limit: 0.8 mg/L
Causes gastrointestinal illness; certain strains (e.g., O157:H7) can cause severe kidney failure and death.
Common source: Fecal contamination from humans or animals entering the water supply
EPA limit: Zero (no E. coli permitted in drinking water)
Indicates direct fecal contamination; associated with diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and potential severe illness.
Common source: Human and animal fecal waste
EPA limit: Zero tolerance (any positive triggers violations)
Total trihalomethanes are linked to increased risk of bladder cancer and adverse reproductive outcomes.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with naturally occurring organic matter in water
EPA limit: 0.080 mg/L (80 ppb)
Water Systems Serving Charleston
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WVAWC-KANAWHA VALLEY DIST | WV3302016 | Surface Water | 209,283 | 6 |
| WVAWC - HUNTINGTON DIST | WV3300608 | Surface Water | 98,647 | 12 |
| WVAWC NEW RIVER REGIONAL WTR TRTMT PLT | WV3301046 | Surface Water | 25,603 | 0 |
| WVAWC BLUESTONE PLANT | WV3304513 | Surface Water | 20,562 | 0 |
| WVAWC BLUEFIELD DISTRICT | WV3302835 | Surface Water | 12,174 | 0 |
| WVAW - WALNUT GROVE UTILITIES | WV3301942 | Surface Water | 7,250 | 625 |
| CLINTON WATER ASSOC - ROUTE 119 | WV3303107 | Surface Water | 5,733 | 16 |
| CLINTON WATER ASSOC - KINGWOOD PIKE | WV3303128 | Surface Water | 3,100 | 11 |
| WVAW- GASSAWAY | WV3300406 | Surface Water | 2,159 | 3 |
| WVAWC GLADE SPRINGS DISTRICT | WV3304111 | Surface Water | 1,747 | 4 |
| WVAW - THE MOUNTAIN WATER SYSTEM | WV3301963 | Groundwater | 976 | 188 |
| WVAW - VALLEY WATER AND SEWER-DEERWOOD | WV3300230 | Groundwater | 219 | 40 |
| WVAW - DEERFIELD VILLAGE SUBDIVISION | WV3301979 | Surface Water | 132 | 60 |
| WVAW - CAVE QUARTER UTILITY | WV3301904 | Groundwater | 126 | 65 |
| WVAW - APPLE ORCHARD ACRES | WV3303314 | Groundwater | 91 | 68 |
| WVAWC 5 AND 20 MILE ROAD DISTRICT | WV3304020 | Groundwater | 78 | 1 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in West Virginia
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.