Is Grantsville, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 123 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Grantsville, WV — Water Quality Report
Grantsville's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,709 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 318 violations on record, including 35 health-based violations. 123 remain unresolved.
What to know about Grantsville's water
Grantsville ranks #174 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, Grantsville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 120 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Grantsville, WV water safe to drink?
Grantsville'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 2 water systems serve approximately 1,709 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Grantsville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grantsville's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4756). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4221). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Grantsville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Grantsville's water system has 318 total violations on record, including 35 health-based violations. 123 remain unresolved. 120 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Calhoun County has experienced 8 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, West Fork Little Kanawha River.
Where does Grantsville's water come from?
Grantsville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,709 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), West Fork Little Kanawha River (river).
What Grantsville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Grantsville'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.
Grantsville'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
D1 — moderate droughtCalhoun 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
Calhoun County has experienced 8 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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Grantsville compares by contaminant
Explore where Grantsville ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Grantsville's water comes from
Grantsville'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 1,709 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Grantsville
Grantsville 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 Grantsville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNT ZION P S D | WV3300702 | 1,113 | SWP |
| GRANTSVILLE MUNICIPAL | WV3300701 | 596 | SW |
How Grantsville compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Grantsville'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 Grantsville, WV
Wikipedia →Grantsville is a town in Calhoun County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 482 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Calhoun County. The town was established along the Little Kanawha River in 1865 and named for Ulysses S. Grant. Grantsville is home to Wayne Underwood Park, which includes a .25-mile-long (0.40 km) walking trail, and to the annual West Virginia Wood Festival.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Grantsville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Calhoun
Frequently asked questions
Is Grantsville, WV tap water safe to drink?
Grantsville's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #174 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Grantsville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 318 violations are on record.
How is Grantsville'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 Grantsville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Grantsville's water come from?
Grantsville's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,709 residents.
What health violations has Grantsville's water system had?
Grantsville has 35 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. 123 violations remain unresolved.
How does Grantsville's water compare to other cities?
Grantsville ranks #174 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 30% of state cities) and #14035 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.