Is Glen Dale, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87.6/100
Glen Dale, WV — Water Quality Report
Glen Dale's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,495 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 40 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Glen Dale's water
Glen Dale ranks #23 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Glen Dale 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, Glen Dale may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Glen Dale, WV water safe to drink?
Glen Dale's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,495 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Glen Dale
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Glen Dale's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater 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 Glen Dale's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Glen Dale's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marshall 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 Wheeling Creek Below Blaine, Wheeling Creek, Ohio River.
Where does Glen Dale's water come from?
Glen Dale's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,495 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wheeling Creek Below Blaine (river), Wheeling Creek (river), Ohio River (river).
What Glen Dale residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Glen Dale'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.
Glen Dale'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 Glen Dale
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Glen Dale, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 117,389 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
COVESTRO PROCTOR, WV26055 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 93,270 | 7.8 mi |
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER KAMMER/MITCHELL PLANT MOUNDSVILLE, WV26041 | Manganese compounds | 21,859 | 3.4 mi |
WESTLAKE NATRIUM LLC PROCTOR, WV26055 | Ammonia | 2,260 | 7.8 mi |
AES INDUSTRIES INC WHEELING, WV26003 | Copper | 0 | 9.4 mi |
SAFETY-KLEEN SYSTEMS WHEELING (WHE) WHEELING, WV26003 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Glen Dale
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.
- HANLIN ALLIED OLIN3.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Marshall 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Glen Dale compares by contaminant
Explore where Glen Dale ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Glen Dale's water comes from
Glen Dale'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 2,495 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Glen Dale
Glen Dale is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Glen Dale
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLEN DALE WATER WORKS | WV3302605 | 2,495 | GW |
How Glen Dale compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Glen Dale's score of 87.6/100 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 Glen Dale, WV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Glen Dale's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marshall
Frequently asked questions
Is Glen Dale, WV tap water safe to drink?
Glen Dale's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #23 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Glen Dale's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.
How is Glen Dale'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 Glen Dale?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Glen Dale's water come from?
Glen Dale's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,495 residents.
What health violations has Glen Dale's water system had?
Glen Dale has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Glen Dale's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Glen Dale 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 40 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 Glen Dale's water compare to other cities?
Glen Dale ranks #23 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 91% of state cities) and #3945 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Glen Dale's small water system affect quality?
Glen Dale's system serves approximately 2,495 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 40 violations on record.