Is Middlebourne, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 19 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49/100
waterverge.com Middlebourne, WV — Water Quality Report
Middlebourne's drinking water received a grade of D (49 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,267 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 105 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Middlebourne's water
Middlebourne ranks #149 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, Middlebourne may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 68 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Middlebourne, WV water safe to drink?
Middlebourne's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,267 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Middlebourne
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Middlebourne's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49/100).
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL, DICHLOROMETHANE, 1,2-Dichloropropane.
1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4220). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Middlebourne's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Middlebourne's water system has 105 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 68 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tyler County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1985. 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 Ohio River Above Sardis, Middle Island Creek.
Where does Middlebourne's water come from?
Middlebourne's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,267 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Ohio River Above Sardis (river), Middle Island Creek (river).
What Middlebourne residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Middlebourne'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.
Middlebourne'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Middlebourne
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Middlebourne, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 18,519 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MPM SILICONES LLC FRIENDLY, WV26146 | Methanol | 18,519 | 9.8 mi |
PAUL WISSMACH GLASS CO PADEN CITY, WV26159 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
PRECISION INTERNATIONAL LLC SISTERSVILLE, WV26175 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Middlebourne
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- PADEN CITY GROUNDWATER7.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtTyler 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
Tyler County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1985. 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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Middlebourne compares by contaminant
Explore where Middlebourne ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Middlebourne's water comes from
Middlebourne'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 1,267 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Middlebourne
Middlebourne is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Middlebourne
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIDDLEBOURNE WATER WORKS | WV3304802 | 1,267 | SW |
How Middlebourne compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Middlebourne's score of 49/100 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 Middlebourne, WV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Middlebourne's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tyler
Frequently asked questions
Is Middlebourne, WV tap water safe to drink?
Middlebourne's water quality earned a grade of D (49/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #149 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Middlebourne's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 105 violations are on record.
How is Middlebourne'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 Middlebourne?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Middlebourne's water come from?
Middlebourne's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,267 residents.
What health violations has Middlebourne's water system had?
Middlebourne has 16 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. 19 violations remain unresolved.
How does Middlebourne's water compare to other cities?
Middlebourne ranks #149 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 40% of state cities) and #13366 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Middlebourne's small water system affect quality?
Middlebourne's system serves approximately 1,267 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 105 violations on record.