Water Quality: Chester, WV
3 water systems • 10,262 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Chester is served by 3 public water systems with a combined service population of 10,262 people, and has 295 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 8 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Chester's violation count is 26% below the national average for West Virginia. Contaminants associated with violations include Bromate, Chlorine, Chlorine Dioxide, E. coli.
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)
Eye and nose irritation at high levels; long-term exposure above the MCL may cause liver and kidney damage.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant added to kill harmful microorganisms
EPA limit: 4.0 mg/L (MRDL — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level)
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)
Water Systems Serving Chester
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOMLINSON PSD-NEWELL | WV3301516 | Groundwater | 4,963 | 167 |
| CHESTER WATER DEPT. | WV3301504 | Surface Water | 3,220 | 121 |
| TOMLINSON PSD | WV3301519 | Groundwater | 2,079 | 7 |
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.