Is Harpers Ferry, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 69 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Harpers Ferry, WV — Water Quality Report
Harpers Ferry's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,270 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 380 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 69 remain unresolved.
What to know about Harpers Ferry's water
Harpers Ferry ranks #143 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, Harpers Ferry may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 74 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Harpers Ferry, WV water safe to drink?
Harpers Ferry'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 3 water systems serve approximately 3,270 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Harpers Ferry
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Harpers Ferry's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3358). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3221). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Harpers Ferry's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Harpers Ferry's water system has 380 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 69 remain unresolved. 74 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jefferson County has experienced 6 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 Potomac River, Antietam Creek, Bullskin Run Below Kabletown, Shenandoah River, Piney Run.
Where does Harpers Ferry's water come from?
Harpers Ferry's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,270 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Potomac River (river), Antietam Creek (river), Bullskin Run Below Kabletown (river), Shenandoah River (river), Piney Run (river).
What Harpers Ferry residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Harpers Ferry'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.
Harpers Ferry'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 Harpers Ferry
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Harpers Ferry, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GRIFFITH ENERGY SERVICES INC-CHARLESTOWN CHARLES TOWN, WV25414 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
US CBP ADVANCED TRAINING CENTER # WV0002 HARPERS FERRY, WV25425 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
AUTOMATED MERCHANDISING SYSTEMS INC. KEARNEYSVILLE, WV25430 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
UFP RANSON LLC RANSON, WV25438 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
ROCKWOOLUSA KEARNEYSVILLE, WV25430 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtJefferson 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
Jefferson County has experienced 6 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Harpers Ferry compares by contaminant
Explore where Harpers Ferry ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Harpers Ferry's water comes from
Harpers Ferry'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 3,270 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Harpers Ferry
Harpers Ferry 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 Harpers Ferry
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CORPORATION OF HARPERS FERRY | WV3301912 | 2,122 | SW |
| WVAW - THE MOUNTAIN WATER SYSTEM | WV3301963 | 976 | GW |
| OAK HILL MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY LLC | WV3301949 | 172 | GW |
How Harpers Ferry compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Harpers Ferry'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 Harpers Ferry, WV
Wikipedia →Harpers Ferry is a historic town in Jefferson County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 269 at the 2020 United States census. Situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers in the lower Shenandoah Valley, where Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia meet, it is the easternmost town in West Virginia as well as its lowest point above sea level.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Harpers Ferry's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Harpers Ferry, WV tap water safe to drink?
Harpers Ferry's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #143 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Harpers Ferry's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 380 violations are on record.
How is Harpers Ferry'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 Harpers Ferry?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Harpers Ferry's water come from?
Harpers Ferry's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,270 residents.
What health violations has Harpers Ferry's water system had?
Harpers Ferry has 21 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 69 violations remain unresolved.
How does Harpers Ferry's water compare to other cities?
Harpers Ferry ranks #143 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 42% of state cities) and #13326 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.