Is Belington, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.1/100
waterverge.com Belington, WV — Water Quality Report
Belington's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,146 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 9.6 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 5 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Belington's water
Belington ranks #34 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Belington may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Belington, WV water safe to drink?
Belington's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,146 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Belington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Belington's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.1/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4093). Hurricane 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 Belington's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Belington's water system has 5 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Barbour County has experienced 8 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 Tygart Valley River Bypass Channel, Tygart Valley River, Middle Fork River.
Where does Belington's water come from?
Belington's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,146 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Tygart Valley River Bypass Channel (river), Tygart Valley River (river), Middle Fork River (river).
What Belington 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.
Belington'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 Belington
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Belington, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HOOVER TREATED WOOD PRODUCTS INC. BELINGTON, WV26250 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
ALLEGHENY WOOD PRODUCTS INC MILL 3 NORTON, WV26285 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBarbour 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
Barbour County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Belington'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. | 9.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Belington compares by contaminant
Explore where Belington ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Belington's water comes from
Belington's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,146 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Belington
Belington is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Belington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BELINGTON TOWN OF | WV3300101 | 2,146 | SW |
How Belington compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Belington's score of 85.1/100 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 Belington, WV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Belington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Barbour
Frequently asked questions
Is Belington, WV tap water safe to drink?
Belington's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #34 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Belington's water?
Lead was measured at 9.6 ppb (90th percentile). 5 violations are on record.
How is Belington'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 Belington?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Belington's water come from?
Belington's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,146 residents.
How does Belington's water compare to other cities?
Belington ranks #34 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 86% of state cities) and #5504 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Belington's small water system affect quality?
Belington's system serves approximately 2,146 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 5 violations on record.