Is Canaan Valley, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 38 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45.5/100
waterverge.com Canaan Valley, WV — Water Quality Report
Canaan Valley's drinking water received a grade of D (45.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 577 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 0.8 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 147 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved.
What to know about Canaan Valley's water
Canaan Valley ranks #183 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Canaan Valley relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Canaan Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 77 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Canaan Valley, WV water safe to drink?
Canaan Valley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 577 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Canaan Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Canaan Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45.5/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4455). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4093). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Canaan Valley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Canaan Valley's water system has 147 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 38 remain unresolved. 77 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tucker County has experienced 10 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 Dry Fork, Blackwater River.
Where does Canaan Valley's water come from?
Canaan Valley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 577 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Dry Fork (river), Blackwater River (river).
What Canaan Valley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Canaan Valley'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.
Canaan Valley'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 droughtTucker 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
Tucker County has experienced 10 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. | 0.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Canaan Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Canaan Valley ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Canaan Valley's water comes from
Canaan Valley's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 577 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Canaan Valley
Canaan Valley is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Canaan Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIMBERLINE-CV PSD | WV3304711 | 577 | GU |
How Canaan Valley compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Canaan Valley's score of 45.5/100 is below the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →About Canaan Valley, WV
Wikipedia →Davis is a town in Tucker County, West Virginia, United States, situated along the Blackwater River. The population was 595 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Canaan Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tucker
Frequently asked questions
Is Canaan Valley, WV tap water safe to drink?
Canaan Valley's water quality earned a grade of D (45.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #183 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Canaan Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 147 violations are on record.
How is Canaan Valley'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 Canaan Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Canaan Valley's water come from?
Canaan Valley's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 577 residents.
What health violations has Canaan Valley's water system had?
Canaan Valley has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 38 violations remain unresolved.
Is Canaan Valley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Canaan Valley uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 147 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Canaan Valley's water compare to other cities?
Canaan Valley ranks #183 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 26% of state cities) and #14153 out of 15744 cities nationally (10th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Canaan Valley's small water system affect quality?
Canaan Valley's system serves approximately 577 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 147 violations on record.