Water Quality: Richwood, WV
1 water system • 2,480 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Richwood is served by 1 public water system with a combined service population of 2,480 people, and has 232 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 12 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Richwood's violation count is 42% below the national average for West Virginia. Contaminants associated with violations include Bromate, Chlorine, Disinfection Byproducts, E. coli, Total Coliform (TCR).
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)
Broad category of chemicals formed during disinfection, associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive effects.
Common source: Reaction of disinfectants (chlorine, ozone, chloramines) with organic matter
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 possible presence of disease-causing organisms that can cause gastrointestinal illness.
Common source: Human and animal fecal waste, soil, vegetation
EPA limit: No more than 5% of monthly samples may be positive
Water Systems Serving Richwood
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RICHWOOD WATER DEPT | WV3303401 | Surface Water | 2,480 | 232 |
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.