Is Keyser, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
48/100
waterverge.com Keyser, WV — Water Quality Report
Keyser's drinking water received a grade of D (48 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,001 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.3 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 201 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Keyser's water
Keyser ranks #156 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Keyser relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Keyser may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 73 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Keyser, WV water safe to drink?
Keyser's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,001 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Keyser
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Keyser's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3358). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3221). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Keyser's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Keyser's water system has 201 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 14 remain unresolved. 73 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mineral County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include North Branch Potomac River, Savage River, Georges Creek.
Where does Keyser's water come from?
Keyser's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,001 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include North Branch Potomac River (river), Savage River (river), Georges Creek (river).
What Keyser residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Keyser's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Keyser's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Keyser
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Keyser, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KINGSFORD MANUFACTURING CO KEYSER, WV26726 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMineral County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Mineral County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 4.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Keyser compares by contaminant
Explore where Keyser ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Keyser's water comes from
Keyser's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,001 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Keyser
Keyser is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Keyser
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOUNTAIN PSD | WV3302942 | 1,001 | GW |
How Keyser compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Keyser's score of 48/100 is below the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →About Keyser, WV
Wikipedia →Keyser is a city in and the county seat of Mineral County, West Virginia, United States. It is part of the Cumberland micropolitan area. The population was 4,853 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Keyser's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mineral
Frequently asked questions
Is Keyser, WV tap water safe to drink?
Keyser's water quality earned a grade of D (48/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #156 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Keyser's water?
Lead was measured at 4.3 ppb (90th percentile). 201 violations are on record.
How is Keyser's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Keyser?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Keyser's water come from?
Keyser's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,001 residents.
What health violations has Keyser's water system had?
Keyser has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Keyser's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Keyser uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 201 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Keyser's water compare to other cities?
Keyser ranks #156 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 37% of state cities) and #13539 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Keyser's small water system affect quality?
Keyser's system serves approximately 1,001 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 201 violations on record.