Is Gassaway, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83/100
waterverge.com Gassaway, WV — Water Quality Report
Gassaway's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,159 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 3 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gassaway's water
Gassaway ranks #42 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it above average 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, Gassaway may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gassaway, WV water safe to drink?
Gassaway's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (83/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,159 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Gassaway
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gassaway's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4756). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: BHC-GAMMA.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Gassaway's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gassaway's water system has 3 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Kanawha County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1980. 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 Kanawha River, Little Sandy Creek, Unnamed Trib To Elk Twomile Cr Nr Charleston, Elk River Ab Elk Twomile Creek, Elk Twomile Creek.
Where does Gassaway's water come from?
Gassaway's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,159 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Kanawha River (river), Little Sandy Creek (river), Unnamed Trib To Elk Twomile Cr Nr Charleston (lake), Elk River Ab Elk Twomile Creek (river), Elk Twomile Creek (river).
What Gassaway residents can do
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.
Gassaway'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 Gassaway
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gassaway, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
APPALACHIAN TIMBER SERVICES LLC SUTTON, WV26601 | — | — | 3.8 mi |
WEYERHAEUSER NR CO - SUTTON OSB HEATERS, WV26627 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBraxton 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
Kanawha County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1980. 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gassaway compares by contaminant
Explore where Gassaway ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gassaway's water comes from
Gassaway'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,159 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gassaway
Gassaway is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Gassaway
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WVAW- GASSAWAY | WV3300406 | 2,159 | SW |
How Gassaway compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Gassaway's score of 83/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →About Gassaway, WV
Wikipedia →Charleston is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of West Virginia. Located at the confluence of the Elk and Kanawha rivers, it is the county seat of Kanawha County. The population was 48,864 at the 2020 census. The Charleston metropolitan area has approximately 203,000 residents.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gassaway's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Braxton
Frequently asked questions
Is Gassaway, WV tap water safe to drink?
Gassaway's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #42 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Gassaway's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 3 violations are on record.
How is Gassaway'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 Gassaway?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gassaway's water come from?
Gassaway's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,159 residents.
How does Gassaway's water compare to other cities?
Gassaway ranks #42 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 83% of state cities) and #6655 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gassaway's small water system affect quality?
Gassaway's system serves approximately 2,159 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 3 violations on record.