Is Marlinton, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 21 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
60.5/100
waterverge.com Marlinton, WV — Water Quality Report
Marlinton's drinking water received a grade of C (60.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,930 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 168 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved.
What to know about Marlinton's water
Marlinton ranks #120 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Marlinton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 38 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Marlinton, WV water safe to drink?
Marlinton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (60.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,930 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Marlinton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Marlinton's water quality assessment. Grade: C (60.5/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4273). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4093). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Marlinton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Marlinton's water system has 168 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 21 remain unresolved. 38 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pocahontas County has experienced 10 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 Greenbrier River, Knapp Creek, Marlin Run.
Where does Marlinton's water come from?
Marlinton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,930 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Greenbrier River (river), Knapp Creek (river), Marlin Run (lake).
What Marlinton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Marlinton'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.
Marlinton'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 droughtPocahontas 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
Pocahontas County has experienced 10 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. | 0.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Marlinton compares by contaminant
Explore where Marlinton ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Marlinton's water comes from
Marlinton'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 1,930 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Marlinton
Marlinton is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Marlinton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARLINTON TOWN OF | WV3303803 | 1,930 | SW |
How Marlinton compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Marlinton's score of 60.5/100 is on par with the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →About Marlinton, WV
Wikipedia →Marlinton is a town in and the county seat of Pocahontas County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 998 at the 2020 census. Located along the Greenbrier River, it is known for its scenery.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Marlinton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pocahontas
Frequently asked questions
Is Marlinton, WV tap water safe to drink?
Marlinton's water quality earned a grade of C (60.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #120 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Marlinton's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 168 violations are on record.
How is Marlinton'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 Marlinton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Marlinton's water come from?
Marlinton's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,930 residents.
What health violations has Marlinton's water system had?
Marlinton has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 21 violations remain unresolved.
How does Marlinton's water compare to other cities?
Marlinton ranks #120 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 52% of state cities) and #12081 out of 15744 cities nationally (23th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Marlinton's small water system affect quality?
Marlinton's system serves approximately 1,930 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 168 violations on record.