Is Kermit, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 59 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Kermit, WV — Water Quality Report
Kermit's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,237 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 198 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 59 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kermit's water
Kermit ranks #176 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, Kermit may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 42 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kermit, WV water safe to drink?
Kermit'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 1 water system serves approximately 1,237 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Kermit
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kermit's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4605). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3358). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kermit's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kermit's water system has 198 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 59 remain unresolved. 42 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mingo County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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 Tug Fork.
Where does Kermit's water come from?
Kermit's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,237 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Tug Fork (river).
What Kermit residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kermit'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.
Kermit'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
D2 — severe droughtMingo 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
Mingo County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1974. 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kermit compares by contaminant
Explore where Kermit ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kermit's water comes from
Kermit'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 1,237 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Kermit
Kermit is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Kermit
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KERMIT WATER WORKS | WV3303003 | 1,237 | SW |
How Kermit compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Kermit'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 Kermit, WV
Wikipedia →Kermit is a town in Mingo County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 317 at the 2020 census. Kermit is located along the Tug Fork, opposite Warfield, Kentucky. The Norfolk Southern Railway's Kenova District runs through town.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kermit's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mingo
Frequently asked questions
Is Kermit, WV tap water safe to drink?
Kermit's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #176 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Kermit's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 198 violations are on record.
How is Kermit'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 Kermit?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kermit's water come from?
Kermit's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,237 residents.
What health violations has Kermit's water system had?
Kermit has 5 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. 59 violations remain unresolved.
How does Kermit's water compare to other cities?
Kermit ranks #176 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 29% of state cities) and #14051 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.
Does Kermit's small water system affect quality?
Kermit's system serves approximately 1,237 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 198 violations on record.