Is Mcgraws, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
68.8/100
waterverge.com Mcgraws, WV — Water Quality Report
Mcgraws's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,967 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 33 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mcgraws's water
Mcgraws ranks #97 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Mcgraws 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.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mcgraws, WV water safe to drink?
Mcgraws's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,967 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mcgraws
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mcgraws's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.8/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4093). Hurricane 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 Mcgraws's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Mcgraws's water system has 33 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wyoming 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 Guyandotte River.
Where does Mcgraws's water come from?
Mcgraws's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,967 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Guyandotte River (river).
What Mcgraws residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mcgraws'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.
Mcgraws'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 droughtWyoming 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
Wyoming 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mcgraws'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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.38 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.380 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Mcgraws compares by contaminant
Explore where Mcgraws ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mcgraws's water comes from
Mcgraws'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 3,967 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mcgraws
Mcgraws is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mcgraws
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAVENCLIFF MCGRAWS SAULSVILLE PSD | WV3305518 | 3,967 | GW |
How Mcgraws compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Mcgraws's score of 68.8/100 is on par with the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →About Mcgraws, WV
Wikipedia →Glen Fork is a census-designated place (CDP) in Wyoming County, West Virginia, United States. As of the 2020 census, its population was 457. The confluence of the Laurel Fork and its tributary, the Glen Fork, is located in the community.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mcgraws's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wyoming
Frequently asked questions
Is Mcgraws, WV tap water safe to drink?
Mcgraws's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #97 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Mcgraws's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 33 violations are on record.
How is Mcgraws'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 Mcgraws?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mcgraws's water come from?
Mcgraws's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,967 residents.
What health violations has Mcgraws's water system had?
Mcgraws has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mcgraws's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mcgraws 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 33 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 Mcgraws's water compare to other cities?
Mcgraws ranks #97 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 61% of state cities) and #11019 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.