Is Glenville, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 77 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Glenville, WV — Water Quality Report
Glenville's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 4,863 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.3 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 204 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 77 remain unresolved.
What to know about Glenville's water
Glenville ranks #166 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.
The system has seen 107 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Glenville, WV water safe to drink?
Glenville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 4,863 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Glenville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Glenville's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4273). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Glenville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Glenville's water system has 204 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 77 remain unresolved. 107 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gilmer County has experienced 9 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 Little Kanawha River, Sand Fork.
Where does Glenville's water come from?
Glenville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 4,863 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Kanawha River (river), Sand Fork (river).
What Glenville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Glenville'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.
Glenville'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 Glenville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Glenville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION - GILMER GLENVILLE, WV26351 | — | — | 3.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtGilmer 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
Gilmer County has experienced 9 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. | 0.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Glenville compares by contaminant
Explore where Glenville ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Glenville's water comes from
Glenville'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 federal ownership and serves approximately 4,863 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Glenville
Glenville is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Glenville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GILMER COUNTY PSD - FEDERAL PRISON | WV3301108 | 1,884 | SWP |
| GLENVILLE UTILITY | WV3301104 | 1,751 | SW |
| GILMER CO PSD | WV3301106 | 803 | SWP |
| GILMER CO PSD - ROUTE 33/119 | WV3301107 | 425 | SWP |
How Glenville compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Glenville's score of 46/100 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 Glenville, WV
Wikipedia →Sand Fork is a town in Gilmer County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 182 at the 2020 census. It is located along the Little Kanawha River, at the mouth of the Sand Fork.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Glenville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gilmer
Frequently asked questions
Is Glenville, WV tap water safe to drink?
Glenville's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #166 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Glenville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 204 violations are on record.
How is Glenville'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 Glenville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Glenville's water come from?
Glenville's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 4,863 residents.
What health violations has Glenville's water system had?
Glenville has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 77 violations remain unresolved.
How does Glenville's water compare to other cities?
Glenville ranks #166 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 33% of state cities) and #13959 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.