Is Coal City, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
75.2/100
waterverge.com Coal City, WV — Water Quality Report
Coal City's drinking water received a grade of B (75.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,415 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.4 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 50 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Coal City's water
Coal City ranks #76 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Coal City 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.
The system has seen 24 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Coal City, WV water safe to drink?
Coal City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,415 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Coal City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Coal City's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
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 Coal City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Coal City's water system has 50 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 24 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 Coal City's water come from?
Coal City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,415 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Piney Creek (river).
What Coal City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Coal City'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.
Coal City'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 Coal City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Coal City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CENTRAL SUPPLY CO OF WV - MABSCOTT PLANT MABSCOTT, WV25871 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
ALLEGHENY WOOD PRODUCTS INC MILL 8 BECKLEY, WV25801 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
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. | 0.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Coal City compares by contaminant
Explore where Coal City ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Coal City's water comes from
Coal City'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 3,415 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Coal City
Coal City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Coal City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RALEIGH COUNTY PSD COAL CITY | WV3304123 | 3,415 | GW |
How Coal City compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Coal City's score of 75.2/100 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 Coal City, 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 Coal City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Raleigh
Frequently asked questions
Is Coal City, WV tap water safe to drink?
Coal City's water quality earned a grade of B (75.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #76 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Coal City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.4 ppb (90th percentile). 50 violations are on record.
How is Coal City'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 Coal City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Coal City's water come from?
Coal City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,415 residents.
What health violations has Coal City's water system had?
Coal City has 1 health-based violation 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. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Coal City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Coal City 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 50 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 Coal City's water compare to other cities?
Coal City ranks #76 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 69% of state cities) and #9652 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.