Is English, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 68 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45.5/100
waterverge.com English, WV — Water Quality Report
English's drinking water received a grade of D (45.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,242 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 263 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 68 remain unresolved.
What to know about English's water
English ranks #181 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
English 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.
As a small community water system, English may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 51 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is English, WV water safe to drink?
English's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,242 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for English
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into English's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45.5/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4678). Flood 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 English's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
English's water system has 263 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 68 remain unresolved. 51 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
McDowell County has experienced 8 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 Guyandotte River, Tug Fork Downstream Of Elkhorn Creek.
Where does English's water come from?
English's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,242 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Guyandotte River (river), Tug Fork Downstream Of Elkhorn Creek (river).
What English residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in English'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.
English'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 droughtMcDowell 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
McDowell County has experienced 8 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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how English compares by contaminant
Explore where English ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where English's water comes from
English'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 2,242 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near English
English is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving English
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCDOWELL COUNTY PSD BARTLEY | WV3302434 | 2,242 | GU |
How English compares
Full West Virginia rankings →English's score of 45.5/100 is below the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →About English, WV
Wikipedia →Welch is a city in and the county seat of McDowell County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 3,590 at the 2020 census. Welch was incorporated as a city in 1893.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to English's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mcdowell
Frequently asked questions
Is English, WV tap water safe to drink?
English's water quality earned a grade of D (45.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #181 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in English's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 263 violations are on record.
How is English'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 English?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does English's water come from?
English's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,242 residents.
What health violations has English's water system had?
English has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 68 violations remain unresolved.
Is English's groundwater at risk of contamination?
English 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 263 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 English's water compare to other cities?
English ranks #181 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 27% of state cities) and #14150 out of 15744 cities nationally (10th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does English's small water system affect quality?
English's system serves approximately 2,242 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 263 violations on record.