Water Quality: Sophia, WV
11 water systems • 18,275 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Sophia is served by 11 public water systems with a combined service population of 18,275 people, and has 148 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 83 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Sophia's violation count is 63% below the national average for West Virginia. Contaminants associated with violations include Bromate, Chlorine Dioxide, Disinfection Byproducts, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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
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
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)
Haloacetic acids are associated with increased cancer risk and potential reproductive and developmental effects.
Common source: Reaction of chlorine disinfectants with organic matter in treated water
EPA limit: 0.060 mg/L (60 ppb)
Water Systems Serving Sophia
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RALEIGH COUNTY PSD ARNETT | WV3304140 | Surface Water | 6,663 | 24 |
| RALEIGH COUNTY MEM AIRPORT | WV3304138 | Surface Water | 4,587 | 15 |
| RALEIGH COUNTY PSD COAL CITY | WV3304123 | Groundwater | 3,415 | 7 |
| RALEIGH COUNTY PSD CLEAR CREEK | WV3304151 | Surface Water | 1,407 | 4 |
| RALEIGH COUNTY PSD ODD | WV3304150 | Surface Water | 575 | 15 |
| RALEIGH COUNTY PSD SLAB FORK | WV3304120 | Surface Water | 550 | 15 |
| RALEIGH COUNTY PSD PLUTO BRAGG | WV3304152 | Surface Water | 383 | 14 |
| RHODELL WATER WORKS | WV3304119 | Surface Water | 238 | 19 |
| RALEIGH COUNTY PSD EGERIA | WV3302857 | Surface Water | 200 | 21 |
| RALEIGH COUNTY PSD FITZPATRICK | WV3304144 | Surface Water | 197 | 14 |
| RALEIGH COUNTY PSD-SOUTH SAND BRANCH | WV3304153 | Surface Water | 60 | 0 |
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.