Is Mason (Rr Name Mason City), WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 41 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
51.6/100
waterverge.com Mason (Rr Name Mason City), WV — Water Quality Report
Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s drinking water received a grade of D+ (51.6 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,835 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.3 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 153 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 41 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s water
Mason (Rr Name Mason City) ranks #133 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Mason (Rr Name Mason City) relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.14 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Mason (Rr Name Mason City) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mason (Rr Name Mason City), WV water safe to drink?
Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,835 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mason (Rr Name Mason City)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51.6/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4132). 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 Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s water system has 153 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 41 remain unresolved. 25 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mason County has experienced 7 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 Shade River Near Chester.
Where does Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s water come from?
Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,835 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Shade River Near Chester (river).
What Mason (Rr Name Mason City) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'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 droughtMason 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
Mason County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 5.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mason (Rr Name Mason City) compares by contaminant
Explore where Mason (Rr Name Mason City) ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s water comes from
Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,835 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Mason (Rr Name Mason City)
Mason (Rr Name Mason City) is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mason (Rr Name Mason City)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MASON WATER DEPT | WV3302708 | 1,679 | GW |
| MASON CO PSD-FOGLESONG DIST | WV3302715 | 156 | GWP |
How Mason (Rr Name Mason City) compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s score of 51.6/100 is below 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 Mason (Rr Name Mason City), WV
Wikipedia →Mason, also known as Mason City, is a town in Mason County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 865 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Point Pleasant, WV–OH Micropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mason
Frequently asked questions
Is Mason (Rr Name Mason City), WV tap water safe to drink?
Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s water quality earned a grade of D+ (51.6/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #133 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s water?
Lead was measured at 5.3 ppb (90th percentile). 153 violations are on record.
How is Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'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 Mason (Rr Name Mason City)?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s water come from?
Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,835 residents.
What health violations has Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s water system had?
Mason (Rr Name Mason City) has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 41 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mason (Rr Name Mason City) uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 153 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Mason (Rr Name Mason City)'s water compare to other cities?
Mason (Rr Name Mason City) ranks #133 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 46% of state cities) and #12859 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.