WaterVerge

Is Meadow Bridge, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded C, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

692 residents served 1 water system PWSID: WV3301022
Overall Score
62.5 / 100
Violations
15 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#115 of 248 in West Virginia Top 76% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
CGRADE
Water Quality Grade
62.5/100
waterverge.com
C 62.5/100

Meadow Bridge, WV — Water Quality Report

Meadow Bridge's drinking water received a grade of C (62.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 692 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.2 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 3 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Meadow Bridge's water

Meadow Bridge ranks #115 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Meadow Bridge 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.

As a small community water system, Meadow Bridge may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
62.5 out of 100 Grade C
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
17.5/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.2 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
3/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Meadow Bridge, WV water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Meadow Bridge's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 692 residents using groundwater (wells).

15
Active Violations
0.2 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Meadow Bridge

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Meadow Bridge's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62.5/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

3 health-based. Contaminants: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4273). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

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 Meadow Bridge's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.2 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Meadow Bridge's water system has 33 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherTTMRMON
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
May 2025 Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule Open
May 2025 Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule Open
May 2025 Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule Open
Feb 2025 Groundwater Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Fayette 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 Meadow River, Sewell Creek Ab Ltl Sewell Creek.

SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4273
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-4093
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3358

Where does Meadow Bridge's water come from?

Meadow Bridge's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 692 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Meadow River (river), Sewell Creek Ab Ltl Sewell Creek (river).

What Meadow Bridge residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Meadow Bridge's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Meadow Bridge'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.2 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 2% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

33
Total violations
3
Health-based
15
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

33 Total
15 Active
3 Health-based
18 Resolved
Violations by category
Consumer Confidence Rule
7
Total Coliform Rule
5
Ground Water Rule
4
Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
3
Nitrate Rule
3
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
May 2025 Active
Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
May 2025 Active
Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
May 2025 Active
Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Feb 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2019 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Aug 2018 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2009 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 1996 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 1994 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2025 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Apr 2019 Resolved
Groundwater Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Apr 2019
Dec 2018 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Dec 2018
Oct 2018 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2018
Jan 2018 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2018
Showing 20 of 33 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Fayette 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.

3
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
11.3%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
3
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Jun 2016
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Fayette 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.

Jun 2016
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4273
Nov 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #4093
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3358
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3221
Aug 1980
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #628
Apr 1974
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #426

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.2 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 4.8 ppb from 1998 (5.0 ppb) to 2023 (0.2 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
692
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Meadow Bridge's water comes from

Groundwater

Meadow Bridge'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 692 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Meadow Bridge

Meadow Bridge is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Meadow River
river
Sewell Creek Ab Ltl Sewell Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Meadow Bridge

System Name PWSID Population Source
MEADOW BRIDGE TOWN OF WV3301022 692 GW
Regional Comparison

How Meadow Bridge compares

Full West Virginia rankings →

Meadow Bridge's score of 62.5/100 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.

Meadow Bridge (this city)
62.5
Charleston
90.1
Huntington
89.7
Morgantown
39.4
Beckley
90
West Virginia avg
65
City Profile

About Meadow Bridge, WV

Economic Profile
$35,781
Median Income
$690/mo
Median Rent
6.9%
Unemployment
Community
41.5
Median Age
528
People / sq mi
7.9%
College Educated
78.6%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Meadow Bridge, WV tap water safe to drink?

Meadow Bridge's water quality earned a grade of C (62.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #115 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.

What contaminants are in Meadow Bridge's water?

Lead was measured at 0.2 ppb (90th percentile). 33 violations are on record.

How is Meadow Bridge'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 Meadow Bridge?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Meadow Bridge's water come from?

Meadow Bridge's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 692 residents.

What health violations has Meadow Bridge's water system had?

Meadow Bridge has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.

Is Meadow Bridge's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Meadow Bridge 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 Meadow Bridge's water compare to other cities?

Meadow Bridge ranks #115 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 54% of state cities) and #11874 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Meadow Bridge's small water system affect quality?

Meadow Bridge's system serves approximately 692 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 33 violations on record.