Is Chester, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
63/100
waterverge.com Chester, WV — Water Quality Report
Chester's drinking water received a grade of C (63 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,220 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.2 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 103 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chester's water
Chester ranks #114 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.07 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Chester may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 27 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chester, WV water safe to drink?
Chester's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,220 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Chester
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chester's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63/100).
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3358). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Chester's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Chester's water system has 103 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 27 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hancock County has experienced 6 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 Little Beaver Creek Near East Liverpool, Ohio R.
Where does Chester's water come from?
Chester's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,220 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Beaver Creek Near East Liverpool (river), Ohio R (river).
What Chester residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chester'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.
Chester'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 Chester
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Chester, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 36,362 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ERGON WEST VIRGINIA INC NEWELL, WV26050 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 34,169 | 3.5 mi |
W H SAMMIS PLANT STRATTON, OH43961 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 1,166 | 6.8 mi |
ALLEGHENY & TSINGSHAN STAINLESS LLC MIDLAND, PA15059 | Manganese compounds | 597 | 6.1 mi |
VALMONT PITTSBURGH GALVANIZING MIDLAND, PA15059 | Zinc compounds | 384 | 6.2 mi |
HERITAGE THERMAL SERVICES EAST LIVERPOOL, OH43920 | Copper | 46 | 1.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Hancock County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 3.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chester compares by contaminant
Explore where Chester ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chester's water comes from
Chester'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 3,220 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Chester
Chester 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 Chester
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CHESTER WATER DEPT. | WV3301504 | 3,220 | SW |
How Chester compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Chester's score of 63/100 is on par with the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →About Chester, WV
Wikipedia →Chester is a city in Hancock County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 2,214 at the 2020 census. It is located along the Ohio River in the state's northern panhandle and is the northernmost city in West Virginia. Chester is considered part of the Weirton–Steubenville metropolitan area and is home to the Chester teapot attraction, dubbed the "world's largest teapot".
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chester's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hancock
Frequently asked questions
Is Chester, WV tap water safe to drink?
Chester's water quality earned a grade of C (63/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #114 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Chester's water?
Lead was measured at 3.2 ppb (90th percentile). 103 violations are on record.
How is Chester'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 Chester?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chester's water come from?
Chester's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,220 residents.
What health violations has Chester's water system had?
Chester has 6 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. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Chester's water compare to other cities?
Chester ranks #114 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 54% of state cities) and #11815 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Chester's small water system affect quality?
Chester's system serves approximately 3,220 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 103 violations on record.