Is Clear Creek, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
77.1/100
waterverge.com Clear Creek, WV — Water Quality Report
Clear Creek's drinking water received a grade of B (77.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,407 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 3 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Clear Creek's water
Clear Creek ranks #67 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, Clear Creek may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clear Creek, WV water safe to drink?
Clear Creek's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (77.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,407 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Clear Creek
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clear Creek's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.1/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4093). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Clear Creek's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Clear Creek's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Raleigh 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 Piney Creek.
Where does Clear Creek's water come from?
Clear Creek's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,407 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Piney Creek (river).
What Clear Creek residents can do
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.
Clear Creek'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 droughtRaleigh 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
Raleigh 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Clear Creek'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. | 0.8 | 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. | 1.62 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.620 mg/L (2007)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Clear Creek compares by contaminant
Explore where Clear Creek ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clear Creek's water comes from
Clear Creek'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 1,407 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Clear Creek
Clear Creek is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Clear Creek
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RALEIGH COUNTY PSD CLEAR CREEK | WV3304151 | 1,407 | SWP |
How Clear Creek compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Clear Creek's score of 77.1/100 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 Clear Creek, WV
Wikipedia →Sophia is a town in Raleigh County, West Virginia, United States. It was incorporated in 1912. The population was 1,124 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clear Creek's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Raleigh
Frequently asked questions
Is Clear Creek, WV tap water safe to drink?
Clear Creek's water quality earned a grade of B (77.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #67 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Clear Creek's water?
Lead was measured at 0.8 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Clear Creek'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 Clear Creek?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Clear Creek's water come from?
Clear Creek's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,407 residents.
What health violations has Clear Creek's water system had?
Clear Creek has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Clear Creek's water compare to other cities?
Clear Creek ranks #67 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 73% of state cities) and #9107 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Clear Creek's small water system affect quality?
Clear Creek's system serves approximately 1,407 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 3 violations on record.