Is Five Forks, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
40/100
waterverge.com Five Forks, WV — Water Quality Report
Five Forks's drinking water received a grade of F (40 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,868 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 134 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 55 remain unresolved.
What to know about Five Forks's water
Five Forks ranks #236 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Five Forks may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 33 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Five Forks, WV water safe to drink?
Five Forks's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (40/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,868 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Five Forks
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Five Forks's water quality assessment. Grade: F (40/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Five Forks'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
Five Forks's water system has 134 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 55 remain unresolved. 33 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Five Forks's water come from?
Five Forks's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,868 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Five Forks residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Five Forks'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtCalhoun 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Five Forks'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. | 1.1 | 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. | 3.82 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Five Forks compares by contaminant
Explore where Five Forks ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Five Forks's water comes from
Five Forks'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 1,868 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Five Forks
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLEASANT HILL P S D RT 16 DISTRICT | WV3300703 | 1,868 | SWP |
How Five Forks compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Five Forks's score of 40/100 is below the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →About Five Forks, WV
Wikipedia →Big Bend is an unincorporated community in Calhoun County, West Virginia, United States. It lies along West Virginia Route 5 northwest of the town of Grantsville, the county seat of Calhoun County, along the Little Kanawha River. Its elevation is 682 feet. It has a post office with the ZIP code 26136.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Five Forks's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Calhoun
Frequently asked questions
Is Five Forks, WV tap water safe to drink?
Five Forks's water quality earned a grade of F (40/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #236 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Five Forks's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 134 violations are on record.
How is Five Forks'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 Five Forks?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Five Forks's water come from?
Five Forks's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,868 residents.
What health violations has Five Forks's water system had?
Five Forks has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 55 violations remain unresolved.
How does Five Forks's water compare to other cities?
Five Forks ranks #236 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 5% of state cities) and #15202 out of 15744 cities nationally (3th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Five Forks's small water system affect quality?
Five Forks's system serves approximately 1,868 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 134 violations on record.