Is Bethlehem, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.4/100
waterverge.com Bethlehem, WV — Water Quality Report
Bethlehem's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,968 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.2 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 18 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bethlehem's water
Bethlehem ranks #49 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.
As a small community water system, Bethlehem may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bethlehem, WV water safe to drink?
Bethlehem's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,968 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bethlehem
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bethlehem's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.4/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4884). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bethlehem's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bethlehem's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ohio County has experienced 9 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, Wheeling Creek Below Blaine, Wheeling Creek, Ohio River.
Where does Bethlehem's water come from?
Bethlehem's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,968 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Short Creek Near Dillonvale (river), Ohio R (river), Wheeling Creek Below Blaine (river), Wheeling Creek (river), Ohio River (river).
What Bethlehem residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bethlehem'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.
Bethlehem'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 Bethlehem
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bethlehem, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TURF CARE SUPPLY LLC. MARTINS FERRY, OH43935 | 2,4-D | 1 | 6.5 mi |
AES INDUSTRIES INC WHEELING, WV26003 | Copper | 0 | 2.8 mi |
SAFETY-KLEEN SYSTEMS WHEELING (WHE) WHEELING, WV26003 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
SWISHER INTERNATIONAL INC WHEELING, WV26003 | — | — | 2.1 mi |
NAIL CITY BRONZE WHEELING, WV26003 | — | — | 1.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Ohio County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 1.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bethlehem compares by contaminant
Explore where Bethlehem ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bethlehem's water comes from
Bethlehem'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 2,968 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bethlehem
Bethlehem is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Bethlehem
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BETHLEHEM | WV3303514 | 2,968 | SWP |
How Bethlehem compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Bethlehem's score of 82.4/100 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 Bethlehem, WV
Wikipedia →Wheeling is a city in Ohio and Marshall counties in the U.S. state of West Virginia. The county seat of Ohio County, it lies along the Ohio River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains within the state's northern panhandle. It is the fifth-most populous city in West Virginia and the most populous city in the northern panhandle with a population of 27,062 at the 2020 census. The Wheeling metropolitan area had 139,513 residents in 2020.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bethlehem's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ohio
Frequently asked questions
Is Bethlehem, WV tap water safe to drink?
Bethlehem's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #49 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Bethlehem's water?
Lead was measured at 1.2 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Bethlehem'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 Bethlehem?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bethlehem's water come from?
Bethlehem's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,968 residents.
What health violations has Bethlehem's water system had?
Bethlehem has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Bethlehem's water compare to other cities?
Bethlehem ranks #49 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 80% of state cities) and #6985 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bethlehem's small water system affect quality?
Bethlehem's system serves approximately 2,968 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 18 violations on record.