Is Beech Bottom, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86.6/100
waterverge.com Beech Bottom, WV — Water Quality Report
Beech Bottom's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 610 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.3 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 13 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Beech Bottom's water
Beech Bottom ranks #28 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Beech Bottom 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, Beech Bottom may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Beech Bottom, WV water safe to drink?
Beech Bottom's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 610 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Beech Bottom
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Beech Bottom's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.6/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4220). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Beech Bottom's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Beech Bottom's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Brooke County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Short Creek Near Dillonvale, Ohio R.
Where does Beech Bottom's water come from?
Beech Bottom's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 610 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Short Creek Near Dillonvale (river), Ohio R (river).
What Beech Bottom residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Beech Bottom'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.
Beech Bottom'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 Beech Bottom
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Beech Bottom, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 90,942 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARDINAL PLANT BRILLIANT, OH43913 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 90,756 | 2.0 mi |
JSW STEEL USA OHIO INC. MINGO JUNCTION, OH43938 | Zinc compounds | 185 | 6.7 mi |
TURF CARE SUPPLY LLC. MARTINS FERRY, OH43935 | 2,4-D | 1 | 6.7 mi |
WHEELING-NIPPON STEEL FOLLANSBEE, WV26037 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
MOUNTAIN STATE CARBON LLC FOLLANSBEE, WV26037 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Brooke County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Beech Bottom's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 0.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Beech Bottom compares by contaminant
Explore where Beech Bottom ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Beech Bottom's water comes from
Beech Bottom'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 610 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Beech Bottom
Beech Bottom is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Beech Bottom
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEECH BOTTOM WATER DEPT | WV3300502 | 610 | GW |
How Beech Bottom compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Beech Bottom's score of 86.6/100 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 Beech Bottom, WV
Wikipedia →Beech Bottom is a village in Brooke County, West Virginia, United States, situated along the Ohio River. The population was 553 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Weirton–Steubenville metropolitan area. Beech Bottom was incorporated in 1953.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Beech Bottom's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Brooke
Frequently asked questions
Is Beech Bottom, WV tap water safe to drink?
Beech Bottom's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #28 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Beech Bottom's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Beech Bottom'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 Beech Bottom?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Beech Bottom's water come from?
Beech Bottom's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 610 residents.
What health violations has Beech Bottom's water system had?
Beech Bottom has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Beech Bottom's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Beech Bottom 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 13 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 Beech Bottom's water compare to other cities?
Beech Bottom ranks #28 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 89% of state cities) and #4622 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Beech Bottom's small water system affect quality?
Beech Bottom's system serves approximately 610 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 13 violations on record.