Is Birch River, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.9/100
waterverge.com Birch River, WV — Water Quality Report
Birch River's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,369 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 23 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Birch River's water
Birch River ranks #44 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, Birch River may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Birch River, WV water safe to drink?
Birch River's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,369 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Birch River
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Birch River's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4756). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4273). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Birch River's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Birch River's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clay 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 Birch River, Elk River.
Where does Birch River's water come from?
Birch River's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,369 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Birch River (river), Elk River (river).
What Birch River residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Birch River'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.
Birch River'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
D2 — severe droughtNicholas 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
Clay 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Birch River compares by contaminant
Explore where Birch River ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Birch River's water comes from
Birch River'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 1,369 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Birch River
Birch River is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Birch River
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIRCH RIVER PSD | WV3303413 | 1,369 | SWP |
How Birch River compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Birch River's score of 82.9/100 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 Birch River, WV
Wikipedia →Dille is an unincorporated community in Clay County, West Virginia, United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Birch River's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Nicholas
Frequently asked questions
Is Birch River, WV tap water safe to drink?
Birch River's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #44 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Birch River's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Birch River'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 Birch River?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Birch River's water come from?
Birch River's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,369 residents.
What health violations has Birch River's water system had?
Birch River has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Birch River's water compare to other cities?
Birch River ranks #44 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 82% of state cities) and #6700 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Birch River's small water system affect quality?
Birch River's system serves approximately 1,369 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 23 violations on record.