WaterVerge

Is Mt Storm, 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 ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: WV3301205
Overall Score
54.9 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#126 of 248 in West Virginia Top 80% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
D+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
54.9/100
waterverge.com
D+ 54.9/100

Mt Storm, WV — Water Quality Report

Mt Storm's drinking water received a grade of D+ (54.9 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,117 residents using surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 88 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Mt Storm's water

Mt Storm ranks #126 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, Mt Storm may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 39 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
54.9 out of 100 Grade D+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
9.9/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Mt Storm, WV water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Mt Storm's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (54.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,117 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

5
Active Violations
2.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Mt Storm

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mt Storm's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (54.9/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4455). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

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 Mt Storm's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.52 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Mt Storm's water system has 88 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 39 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

TTOtherMCLMR
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 CARBON, TOTAL Resolved
Aug 2025 Public Notice Open
Jul 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
May 2025 Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule Resolved
Sep 2024 Public Notice Open

Flood & environmental risk

Grant County has experienced 6 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 North Branch Potomac River, Abram Creek, Linton Creek.

SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4455
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3358
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3221

Where does Mt Storm's water come from?

Mt Storm's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,117 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include North Branch Potomac River (river), Abram Creek (river), Linton Creek (lake).

What Mt Storm residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mt Storm'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

Mt Storm'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
2.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 13% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.52 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +17% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

88
Total violations
6
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

88 Total
5 Active
6 Health-based
83 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
42
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
29
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
3
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Aug 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Sep 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jun 2017 Active
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2025 Resolved
CARBON, TOTAL
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2025
May 2025 Resolved
Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved May 2025
Jul 2024 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2024
Jan 2023 Resolved
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2023 Resolved
Simazine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2023 Resolved
Benzo(a)pyrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2023 Resolved
Heptachlor epoxide
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2023 Resolved
Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2023 Resolved
Atrazine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2023 Resolved
LASSO
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2023 Resolved
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2023 Resolved
BHC-GAMMA
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2023 Resolved
Heptachlor
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2023 Resolved
Methoxychlor
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2025
Jan 2021 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2021
Showing 20 of 88 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Grant 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)
8.3%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
6
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

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

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Aug 2019
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Grant County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1985. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Aug 2019
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4455
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3358
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3221
Sep 2003
HURRICANE ISABEL
Hurricane FEMA #1496
Jan 1996
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1096
Nov 1985
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #753

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Mt Storm's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.52 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.0 ppb from 2000 (2.0 ppb) to 2026 (2.0 ppb).

Copper level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
Copper has increased by 0.090 mg/L from 2020 (1.430 mg/L) to 2021 (1.520 mg/L).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,117
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Mt Storm's water comes from

Surface Water

Mt Storm'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 2,117 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Mt Storm

Mt Storm is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

North Branch Potomac River
river
Abram Creek
river
Linton Creek
lake
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Mt Storm

System Name PWSID Population Source
MOUNTAIN TOP PSD WV3301205 2,117 SW
Regional Comparison

How Mt Storm compares

Full West Virginia rankings →

Mt Storm's score of 54.9/100 is below the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Mt Storm (this city)
54.9
Charleston
90.1
Huntington
89.7
Morgantown
39.4
Beckley
90
West Virginia avg
65
City Profile

About Mt Storm, WV

Wikipedia →

Mount Storm is an unincorporated community in Grant County, West Virginia, United States. Mount Storm lies on the Northwestern Turnpike at its junction with West Virginia Route 42. The community is the site of the Union School Complex, which contains Union High School.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Mt Storm, WV tap water safe to drink?

Mt Storm's water quality earned a grade of D+ (54.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #126 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.

What contaminants are in Mt Storm's water?

Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 88 violations are on record.

How is Mt Storm'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 Mt Storm?

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

Where does Mt Storm's water come from?

Mt Storm's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,117 residents.

What health violations has Mt Storm's water system had?

Mt Storm has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.

How does Mt Storm's water compare to other cities?

Mt Storm ranks #126 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 49% of state cities) and #12573 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Mt Storm's small water system affect quality?

Mt Storm's system serves approximately 2,117 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 88 violations on record.