Is Friendly, 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 ↓
68.2/100
waterverge.com Friendly, WV — Water Quality Report
Friendly's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,868 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 4.9 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 173 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Friendly's water
Friendly ranks #98 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Friendly 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Friendly, WV water safe to drink?
Friendly's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,868 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Friendly
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Friendly's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4220). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Friendly'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
Friendly's water system has 173 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tyler 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 Middle Island Creek, Little Muskingum River At Bloomfield.
Where does Friendly's water come from?
Friendly's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,868 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Middle Island Creek (river), Little Muskingum River At Bloomfield (river).
What Friendly residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Friendly'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.
Friendly'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 Friendly
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Friendly, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 18,555 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MPM SILICONES LLC FRIENDLY, WV26146 | Methanol | 18,519 | 2.6 mi |
REAL ALLOY RECYCLING LLC FRIENDLY, WV26146 | Copper compounds | 36 | 3.3 mi |
PROVIRON INC FRIENDLY, WV26146 | — | — | 3.3 mi |
PAUL WISSMACH GLASS CO PADEN CITY, WV26159 | — | — | 9.4 mi |
PRECISION INTERNATIONAL LLC SISTERSVILLE, WV26175 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Friendly
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.
- PADEN CITY GROUNDWATER9.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtTyler 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
Tyler 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 Friendly'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. | 4.9 | 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. | 1.44 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Friendly compares by contaminant
Explore where Friendly ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Friendly's water comes from
Friendly'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 3,868 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Friendly
Friendly is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Friendly
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TYLER COUNTY PSD | WV3304801 | 3,195 | GW |
| BENS RUN INDUSTRIAL PARK WATER SYSTEM | WV9948024 | 673 | GW |
How Friendly compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Friendly's score of 68.2/100 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 Friendly, WV
Wikipedia →Friendly is a town in Tyler County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 100 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Friendly's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tyler
Frequently asked questions
Is Friendly, WV tap water safe to drink?
Friendly's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #98 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Friendly's water?
Lead was measured at 4.9 ppb (90th percentile). 173 violations are on record.
How is Friendly'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 Friendly?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Friendly's water come from?
Friendly's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,868 residents.
What health violations has Friendly's water system had?
Friendly has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Friendly's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Friendly 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 173 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 Friendly's water compare to other cities?
Friendly ranks #98 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 60% of state cities) and #11114 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.