Is Cameron, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
40/100
waterverge.com Cameron, WV — Water Quality Report
Cameron's drinking water received a grade of F (40 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 962 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.6 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 128 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cameron's water
Cameron ranks #237 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Cameron may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 33 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cameron, WV water safe to drink?
Cameron's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (40/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 962 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cameron
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cameron's water quality assessment. Grade: F (40/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, CARBON, TOTAL.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Cameron'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.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Cameron's water system has 128 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 33 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marshall County has experienced 8 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 Dunkard Fork, Wv Fork Fish Creek.
Where does Cameron's water come from?
Cameron's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 962 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Dunkard Fork (lake), Wv Fork Fish Creek (river).
What Cameron residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cameron'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Cameron'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 Cameron
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cameron, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MAJORSVILLE DALLAS, WV26036 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
WILLIAMS OHIO VALLEY MIDSTREAM - FORT BEELER GAS PROCESSING CAMERON, WV26033 | — | — | 3.6 mi |
OAK GROVE PLANT MOUNDSVILLE, WV26041 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Marshall County has experienced 8 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 Cameron'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. | 5.6 | 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. | 260.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 260.000 mg/L (2022)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Cameron compares by contaminant
Explore where Cameron ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cameron's water comes from
Cameron'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 962 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Cameron
Cameron 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 Cameron
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAMERON WATER | WV3302603 | 962 | SW |
How Cameron compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Cameron's score of 40/100 is below the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →About Cameron, WV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cameron's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marshall
Frequently asked questions
Is Cameron, WV tap water safe to drink?
Cameron's water quality earned a grade of F (40/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #237 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Cameron's water?
Lead was measured at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile). 128 violations are on record.
How is Cameron'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 Cameron?
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 Cameron's water come from?
Cameron's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 962 residents.
What health violations has Cameron's water system had?
Cameron has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 27 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cameron's water compare to other cities?
Cameron ranks #237 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 4% of state cities) and #15204 out of 15744 cities nationally (3th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cameron's small water system affect quality?
Cameron's system serves approximately 962 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 128 violations on record.