Is Gary, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 85 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
43/100
waterverge.com Gary, WV — Water Quality Report
Gary's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,633 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.8 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 199 violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 85 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gary's water
Gary ranks #212 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Gary 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, Gary may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 136 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gary, WV water safe to drink?
Gary's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,633 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gary
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gary's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
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 Gary's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gary's water system has 199 total violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 85 remain unresolved. 136 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 Tug Fork Downstream Of Elkhorn Creek.
Where does Gary's water come from?
Gary's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,633 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tug Fork Downstream Of Elkhorn Creek (river).
What Gary residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gary'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.
Gary'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. | 3.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gary compares by contaminant
Explore where Gary ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gary's water comes from
Gary'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 1,633 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gary
Gary is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Gary
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GARY CITY OF | WV3302420 | 1,633 | GW |
How Gary compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Gary's score of 43/100 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 Gary, WV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gary's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mcdowell
Frequently asked questions
Is Gary, WV tap water safe to drink?
Gary's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #212 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Gary's water?
Lead was measured at 3.8 ppb (90th percentile). 199 violations are on record.
How is Gary'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 Gary?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gary's water come from?
Gary's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,633 residents.
What health violations has Gary's water system had?
Gary has 27 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. 85 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gary's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gary 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 199 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 Gary's water compare to other cities?
Gary ranks #212 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 15% of state cities) and #14698 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gary's small water system affect quality?
Gary's system serves approximately 1,633 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 199 violations on record.