Is Gauley Bridge, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 43 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Gauley Bridge, WV — Water Quality Report
Gauley Bridge's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,547 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 224 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 43 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gauley Bridge's water
Gauley Bridge ranks #144 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it below 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, Gauley Bridge may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 93 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gauley Bridge, WV water safe to drink?
Gauley Bridge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,547 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Gauley Bridge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gauley Bridge's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4273). 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 Gauley Bridge's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Gauley Bridge's water system has 224 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 43 remain unresolved. 93 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fayette County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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 Gauley River Below Rich Creek, Gauley River Above Belva, Kanawha River, New River Below Hawks Nest Dam.
Where does Gauley Bridge's water come from?
Gauley Bridge's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,547 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Gauley River Below Rich Creek (river), Gauley River Above Belva (river), Kanawha River (river), New River Below Hawks Nest Dam (river).
What Gauley Bridge residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gauley Bridge'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.
Gauley Bridge'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 Gauley Bridge
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gauley Bridge, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WVA MANUFACTURING LLC ALLOY, WV25002 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 5 | 4.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtFayette 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
Fayette County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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. | 0.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gauley Bridge compares by contaminant
Explore where Gauley Bridge ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gauley Bridge's water comes from
Gauley Bridge'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 2,547 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gauley Bridge
Gauley Bridge is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Gauley Bridge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KANAWHA FALLS PSD | WV3301037 | 2,547 | SW |
How Gauley Bridge compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Gauley Bridge's score of 49/100 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 Gauley Bridge, WV
Wikipedia →Gauley Bridge is a town in Fayette County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 553 at the 2020 census. The Kanawha River is formed at Gauley Bridge by the confluence of the New and Gauley Rivers. Two miles to the southwest of Gauley Bridge, in Glen Ferris, is Kanawha Falls, a popular stopping point on Midland Trail Scenic Highway.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gauley Bridge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fayette
Frequently asked questions
Is Gauley Bridge, WV tap water safe to drink?
Gauley Bridge's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #144 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Gauley Bridge's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 224 violations are on record.
How is Gauley Bridge'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 Gauley Bridge?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gauley Bridge's water come from?
Gauley Bridge's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,547 residents.
What health violations has Gauley Bridge's water system had?
Gauley Bridge has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 43 violations remain unresolved.
How does Gauley Bridge's water compare to other cities?
Gauley Bridge ranks #144 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 42% of state cities) and #13339 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gauley Bridge's small water system affect quality?
Gauley Bridge's system serves approximately 2,547 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 224 violations on record.