Is Frank, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
66.1/100
waterverge.com Frank, WV — Water Quality Report
Frank's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 504 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 9.0 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 83 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Frank's water
Frank ranks #100 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Frank 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, Frank may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 31 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Frank, WV water safe to drink?
Frank's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 504 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Frank
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Frank's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4273). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4093). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Frank'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.
Violation history
Frank's water system has 83 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 31 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pocahontas 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 Shavers Fork Nr Cheat Bridge, Greenbrier River.
Where does Frank's water come from?
Frank's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 504 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Shavers Fork Nr Cheat Bridge (river), Greenbrier River (river).
What Frank residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Frank'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.
Frank'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 droughtPocahontas 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
Pocahontas 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 Frank'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. | 9.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Frank compares by contaminant
Explore where Frank ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Frank's water comes from
Frank'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 504 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Frank
Frank is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Frank
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POCAHONTAS COUNTY PSD | WV3303812 | 504 | GU |
How Frank compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Frank's score of 66.1/100 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 Frank, WV
Wikipedia →Durbin is a town in Pocahontas County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 235 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Frank's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pocahontas
Frequently asked questions
Is Frank, WV tap water safe to drink?
Frank's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #100 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Frank's water?
Lead was measured at 9.0 ppb (90th percentile). 83 violations are on record.
How is Frank'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 Frank?
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 Frank's water come from?
Frank's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 504 residents.
What health violations has Frank's water system had?
Frank has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Frank's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Frank 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 83 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 Frank's water compare to other cities?
Frank ranks #100 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 60% of state cities) and #11425 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Frank's small water system affect quality?
Frank's system serves approximately 504 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 83 violations on record.