Is Moorefield, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Moorefield, WV — Water Quality Report
Moorefield's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 9 water systems serve approximately 7,040 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 290 violations on record, including 45 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved.
What to know about Moorefield's water
Moorefield ranks #187 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
The system has seen 53 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Moorefield, WV water safe to drink?
Moorefield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 9 water systems serve approximately 7,040 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Moorefield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Moorefield's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Surface Water Treatment Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3358). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3221). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Moorefield'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
Moorefield's water system has 290 total violations on record, including 45 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved. 53 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hardy 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 S F South Branch Potomac River Nr Moorefield, South Branch Potomac River.
Where does Moorefield's water come from?
Moorefield's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 9 water systems serving approximately 7,040 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include S F South Branch Potomac River Nr Moorefield (river), South Branch Potomac River (river).
What Moorefield residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Moorefield'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.
Moorefield'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 Moorefield
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Moorefield, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AMERICAN WOODMARK CORP SOUTH BRANCH PLANT MOOREFIELD, WV26836 | — | — | 1.2 mi |
PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORP MOOREFIELD FRESH FACILITY MOOREFIELD, WV26836 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
PILGRIM'S PRIDE CORP MOOREFIELD FEEDMILL MOOREFIELD, WV26836 | — | — | 2.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtHampshire 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
Hardy 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 Moorefield'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. | 0.9 | 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.400 mg/L (2013)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Moorefield compares by contaminant
Explore where Moorefield ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Moorefield's water comes from
Moorefield'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 7,040 people through 9 water systems.
Water bodies near Moorefield
Moorefield 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 Moorefield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOOREFIELD MUNICIPAL WATER | WV3301601 | 2,328 | SW |
| HARDY COUNTY PSD 220 SOUTH | WV3301607 | 1,463 | SWP |
| HARDY COUNTY PSD 220 N | WV3301608 | 1,442 | SWP |
| HARDY COUNTY PSD-ROUTE 55 | WV3301610 | 908 | SWP |
| HARDY COUNTY PSD-SOUTH FORK | WV3301611 | 254 | SWP |
| CHPSD-PURGITTSVILLE | WV3301415 | 205 | SWP |
| CALEDONIA HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION | WV3301605 | 200 | SWP |
| HARDY COUNTY PSD BAKER | WV3301613 | 150 | SW |
| HARDY COUNTY PSD MARVIN CHAPEL | WV3301612 | 90 | GWP |
How Moorefield compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Moorefield's score of 45/100 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 Moorefield, WV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Moorefield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hardy
Frequently asked questions
Is Moorefield, WV tap water safe to drink?
Moorefield's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #187 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Moorefield's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 290 violations are on record.
How is Moorefield'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 Moorefield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Moorefield's water come from?
Moorefield's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 9 water systems serving approximately 7,040 residents.
What health violations has Moorefield's water system had?
Moorefield has 45 health-based violations 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. 36 violations remain unresolved.
How does Moorefield's water compare to other cities?
Moorefield ranks #187 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 25% of state cities) and #14233 out of 15744 cities nationally (10th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.