Is Mount Hope, 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 ↓
61.3/100
waterverge.com Mount Hope, WV — Water Quality Report
Mount Hope's drinking water received a grade of C (61.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,567 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 26 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mount Hope's water
Mount Hope ranks #118 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Mount Hope 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mount Hope, WV water safe to drink?
Mount Hope's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,567 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Mount Hope
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mount Hope's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: CYANIDE.
5 health-based. Contaminants: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4273). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Mount Hope's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mount Hope's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Piney Creek, New River.
Where does Mount Hope's water come from?
Mount Hope's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,567 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Piney Creek (river), New River (river).
What Mount Hope residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mount Hope'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.
Mount Hope'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 Mount Hope
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mount Hope, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CENTRAL SUPPLY CO OF WV - MABSCOTT PLANT MABSCOTT, WV25871 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
ALLEGHENY WOOD PRODUCTS INC MILL 8 BECKLEY, WV25801 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION BECKLEY BEAVER, WV25813 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
CUE OF WEST VIRGINIA LLC MOUNT HOPE, WV25880 | — | — | 1.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Mount Hope
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.
- SHAFFER EQUIPMENT ARBUCKLE CREEK AREA6.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtFayette 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
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.
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 Mount Hope compares by contaminant
Explore where Mount Hope ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mount Hope's water comes from
Mount Hope'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 1,567 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mount Hope
Mount Hope 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 Mount Hope
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNT HOPE WATER | WV3301024 | 1,567 | SW |
How Mount Hope compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Mount Hope's score of 61.3/100 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.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →About Mount Hope, WV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mount Hope's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fayette
Frequently asked questions
Is Mount Hope, WV tap water safe to drink?
Mount Hope's water quality earned a grade of C (61.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #118 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Mount Hope's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Mount Hope'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 Mount Hope?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mount Hope's water come from?
Mount Hope's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,567 residents.
What health violations has Mount Hope's water system had?
Mount Hope has 6 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.
How does Mount Hope's water compare to other cities?
Mount Hope ranks #118 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 52% of state cities) and #11997 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mount Hope's small water system affect quality?
Mount Hope's system serves approximately 1,567 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 26 violations on record.