Is Branchland, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
82.9/100
waterverge.com Branchland, WV — Water Quality Report
Branchland'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 3,157 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.4 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 8 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Branchland's water
Branchland ranks #43 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, Branchland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Branchland, WV water safe to drink?
Branchland'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 3,157 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Branchland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Branchland's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.9/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4605). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Branchland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Branchland's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lincoln County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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 Guyandotte River, Mud River.
Where does Branchland's water come from?
Branchland's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,157 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Guyandotte River (river), Mud River (lake).
What Branchland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Branchland'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.
Branchland'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 droughtLincoln 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
Lincoln County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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. | 0.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Branchland compares by contaminant
Explore where Branchland ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Branchland's water comes from
Branchland'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 3,157 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Branchland
Branchland 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 Branchland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRANCHLAND MIDKIFF PSD | WV3302202 | 3,157 | SWP |
How Branchland compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Branchland'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 Branchland, WV
Wikipedia →Branchland is an unincorporated community in western Lincoln County, West Virginia, United States. It lies along West Virginia Route 10, southwest of the town of Hamlin, the county seat of Lincoln County. Its elevation is 597 feet (182 m). It has a post office with the ZIP code 25506. Raccoon Creek Road is one of the more popular ways of transportation through the area. Branchland Post Office serves addresses within Sheridan Magisterial District of Lincoln County as well as addresses in southern Cabell County and eastern Wayne County, West Virginia.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Branchland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lincoln
Frequently asked questions
Is Branchland, WV tap water safe to drink?
Branchland'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 #43 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Branchland's water?
Lead was measured at 0.4 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Branchland'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 Branchland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Branchland's water come from?
Branchland's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,157 residents.
What health violations has Branchland's water system had?
Branchland has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
How does Branchland's water compare to other cities?
Branchland ranks #43 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 83% of state cities) and #6689 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Branchland's small water system affect quality?
Branchland's system serves approximately 3,157 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.