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 ↓
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.
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mt Storm, WV water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Mt Storm
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mt Storm's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (54.9/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4455). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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.
Well within EPA limits.
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.
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.
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
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mt Storm'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.
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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtGrant 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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mt Storm'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. | 2.0 | 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. | 1.52 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mt Storm compares by contaminant
Explore where Mt Storm ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mt Storm's water comes from
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.
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.
Water systems serving Mt Storm
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNTAIN TOP PSD | WV3301205 | 2,117 | SW |
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.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →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.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mt Storm's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Grant
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.