Is Cottageville, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
64.3/100
waterverge.com Cottageville, WV — Water Quality Report
Cottageville's drinking water received a grade of C (64.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,230 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 9.3 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 38 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cottageville's water
Cottageville ranks #107 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cottageville 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Cottageville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
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 Cottageville, WV water safe to drink?
Cottageville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,230 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cottageville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cottageville's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.3/100).
Contaminants: 1,1-Dichloroethylene, Carbon tetrachloride, 1,2-Dichloroethane.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4273). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4221). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cottageville's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Cottageville's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 24 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jackson 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.
Where does Cottageville's water come from?
Cottageville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,230 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Cottageville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cottageville'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.
Cottageville'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 Cottageville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cottageville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 943 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES INC MILLWOOD WV MILLWOOD, WV25262 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 780 | 2.9 mi |
FELMAN PRODUCTION INC LETART, WV25253 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 163 | 8.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Cottageville
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.
- RAVENSWOOD PCE6.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtJackson 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
Jackson 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 Cottageville'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. | 9.3 | 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. | 1.35 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.350 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Cottageville compares by contaminant
Explore where Cottageville ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cottageville's water comes from
Cottageville'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 3,230 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Cottageville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COTTAGEVILLE PSD | WV3301804 | 3,230 | GW |
How Cottageville compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Cottageville's score of 64.3/100 is on par with the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →About Cottageville, WV
Wikipedia →Cottageville is an unincorporated community in western Jackson County, West Virginia, United States. It lies along West Virginia Route 331 northwest of the city of Ripley, the county seat of Jackson County. Established in 1858, its elevation is 594 feet (181 m). Although Cottageville is unincorporated, it has a post office, with the ZIP code of 25239. It also is the site of the annual Jackson County Junior Fair. Michael Coleman, a well known early Indian fighter, was killed and buried in the area, according to a historical marker placed by the state of WV. The wooden Grist Mill located here since the 1840s burned to the ground in the summer of 1965. Its foundation stones remain. It had remained in operation full-time until 1930, part-time until 1937. Cottageville was a commercial center with a bank, newspaper, tannery, blacksmith, several stores, a railroad station on the B & O and many other businesses in the early part of the twentieth century. Its heyday faded with the closing of the mill and the improvement of roads in the county. The B & O pulled up its tracks to the county seat, Ripley, in the mid-nineteen-sixties. Less than a mile from the old town, the county operated what folks called the "poor farm," an early version of a welfare commune. That closed in the thirties with the New Deal. That land is now the Jackson County Junior Fairgrounds.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cottageville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jackson
Frequently asked questions
Is Cottageville, WV tap water safe to drink?
Cottageville's water quality earned a grade of C (64.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #107 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Cottageville's water?
Lead was measured at 9.3 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Cottageville'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 Cottageville?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cottageville's water come from?
Cottageville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,230 residents.
What health violations has Cottageville's water system had?
Cottageville has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cottageville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cottageville 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 38 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 Cottageville's water compare to other cities?
Cottageville ranks #107 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 57% of state cities) and #11663 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cottageville's small water system affect quality?
Cottageville's system serves approximately 3,230 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 38 violations on record.