Is Franklin, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Franklin, WV — Water Quality Report
Franklin's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,958 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 329 violations on record, including 47 health-based violations. 34 remain unresolved.
What to know about Franklin's water
Franklin ranks #189 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, Franklin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 58 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Franklin, WV water safe to drink?
Franklin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 2,958 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Franklin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Franklin's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4455). 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 Franklin'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
Franklin's water system has 329 total violations on record, including 47 health-based violations. 34 remain unresolved. 58 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pendleton County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1985. 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 South Branch Potomac River, S F South Branch Potomac River.
Where does Franklin's water come from?
Franklin's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 2,958 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include South Branch Potomac River (river), S F South Branch Potomac River (river).
What Franklin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Franklin'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.
Franklin'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 Franklin
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Franklin, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GREER INDUSTRIES INC. DBA GREER LIME CO RIVERTON, WV26814 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
ALLEGHENY WOOD PRODUCTS INC MILL 1 RIVERTON, WV26814 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtPendleton 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
Pendleton County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1985. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Franklin'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. | 0.7 | 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. | 1.51 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.515 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Franklin compares by contaminant
Explore where Franklin ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Franklin's water comes from
Franklin'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 2,958 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Franklin
Franklin is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Franklin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRANKLIN MUNICIPALITY OF | WV3303602 | 1,402 | SW |
| PENDLETON CO PSD(BRANDYWINE) | WV3303613 | 692 | SW |
| PENDLETON CO PSD-UPPER TRACT | WV3303611 | 633 | GU |
| PENDLETON CO PSD-US 220 NORTH | WV3303608 | 156 | SWP |
| PENDLETON CO PSD-CIRCLEVILLE | WV3303609 | 75 | GW |
How Franklin compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Franklin's score of 45/100 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 Franklin, WV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Franklin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pendleton
Frequently asked questions
Is Franklin, WV tap water safe to drink?
Franklin's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #189 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Franklin's water?
Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 329 violations are on record.
How is Franklin'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 Franklin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Franklin's water come from?
Franklin's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 2,958 residents.
What health violations has Franklin's water system had?
Franklin has 47 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 34 violations remain unresolved.
How does Franklin's water compare to other cities?
Franklin ranks #189 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 24% of state cities) and #14264 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.