Is Ceredo, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 25 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.3/100
waterverge.com Ceredo, WV — Water Quality Report
Ceredo's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,472 residents using purchased surface water.
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 59 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ceredo's water
Ceredo ranks #86 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Ceredo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ceredo, WV water safe to drink?
Ceredo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,472 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ceredo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ceredo's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4605). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Ceredo's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Ceredo's water system has 59 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wayne County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Ohio River, Twelvepole Creek Below Wayne, Twelvepole Creek.
Where does Ceredo's water come from?
Ceredo's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,472 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Ohio River (river), Twelvepole Creek Below Wayne (river), Twelvepole Creek (river).
What Ceredo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ceredo'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.
Ceredo'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 Ceredo
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ceredo, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 39,400 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CATLETTSBURG REFINING LLC CATLETTSBURG, KY41129 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 37,699 | 3.4 mi |
CALGON CARBON CORP CATLETTSBURG, KY41129 | Manganese | 1,481 | 4.6 mi |
THISTLE PROCESSING LLC HUNTINGTON, WV25705 | Nickel | 184 | 9.1 mi |
HUNTINGTON ALLOYS CORP CATLETTSBURG, KY41129 | Copper | 36 | 8.7 mi |
WILLERT HOME PRODUCTS KENOVA, WV25530 | — | — | 2.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Ceredo
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- SOUTH POINT PLANT3.7 mi
- ALLIED CHEMICAL IRONTON COKE9.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtWayne 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
Wayne County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Ceredo compares by contaminant
Explore where Ceredo ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ceredo's water comes from
Ceredo'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 1,472 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Ceredo
Ceredo is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Ceredo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEREDO WATER WORKS | WV3305001 | 1,472 | SWP |
How Ceredo compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Ceredo's score of 73.3/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →About Ceredo, WV
Wikipedia →Ceredo is a town in Wayne County, West Virginia, United States, situated along the Ohio River. The population was 1,408 at the 2020 census. Ceredo is a part of the Huntington–Ashland, WV-KY-OH Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). As of the 2000 census, the MSA had a population of 288,649.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ceredo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wayne
Frequently asked questions
Is Ceredo, WV tap water safe to drink?
Ceredo's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #86 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Ceredo's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 59 violations are on record.
How is Ceredo'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 Ceredo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ceredo's water come from?
Ceredo's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,472 residents.
What health violations has Ceredo's water system had?
Ceredo has 11 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. 25 violations remain unresolved.
How does Ceredo's water compare to other cities?
Ceredo ranks #86 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 65% of state cities) and #10111 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ceredo's small water system affect quality?
Ceredo's system serves approximately 1,472 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 59 violations on record.