Is Ashton, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.6/100
waterverge.com Ashton, WV — Water Quality Report
Ashton's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,768 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.1 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 25 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Ashton's water
Ashton ranks #37 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Ashton 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.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ashton, WV water safe to drink?
Ashton's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (84.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,768 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ashton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ashton's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Chlordane, Total Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB).
Contaminants: 1,2-Dichloroethane, Chlorine, Xylenes, Total.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4132). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3358). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ashton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ashton's water system has 25 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 25 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mason County has experienced 7 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 Ohio River.
Where does Ashton's water come from?
Ashton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,768 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ohio River (river).
What Ashton residents can do
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.
Ashton'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMason County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Mason County has experienced 7 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. | 3.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ashton compares by contaminant
Explore where Ashton ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ashton's water comes from
Ashton'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 3,768 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ashton
Ashton is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ashton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MASON CO PSD - ASHTON | WV3302717 | 3,768 | GW |
How Ashton compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Ashton's score of 84.6/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →About Ashton, WV
Wikipedia →Point Pleasant is a city in and the county seat of Mason County, West Virginia, United States, at the confluence of the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers. The population was 4,101 at the 2020 census. It is the principal city of the Point Pleasant micropolitan area extending into Ohio. The town is best known for the Mothman, a purported humanoid creature reportedly sighted in the area that has become a part of West Virginia folklore, and more broadly part of American popular culture.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ashton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mason
Frequently asked questions
Is Ashton, WV tap water safe to drink?
Ashton's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #37 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Ashton's water?
Lead was measured at 3.1 ppb (90th percentile). 25 violations are on record.
How is Ashton'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 Ashton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ashton's water come from?
Ashton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,768 residents.
Is Ashton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ashton 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 25 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 Ashton's water compare to other cities?
Ashton ranks #37 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 85% of state cities) and #5772 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.