Is New Cumberland, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 70 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com New Cumberland, WV — Water Quality Report
New Cumberland's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,985 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 164 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 70 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Cumberland's water
New Cumberland ranks #188 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
New Cumberland relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, New Cumberland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 71 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Cumberland, WV water safe to drink?
New Cumberland'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 2 water systems serve approximately 2,985 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Cumberland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Cumberland's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
4 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). 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 New Cumberland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Cumberland's water system has 164 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 70 remain unresolved. 71 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hancock County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Yellow Creek Near Hammondsville, Ohio R, Kings Creek.
Where does New Cumberland's water come from?
New Cumberland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,985 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Yellow Creek Near Hammondsville (river), Ohio R (river), Kings Creek (river).
What New Cumberland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Cumberland'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.
New Cumberland'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 New Cumberland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Cumberland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 65,474 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ERGON WEST VIRGINIA INC NEWELL, WV26050 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 34,169 | 5.7 mi |
TITANIUM METALS CORP TORONTO, OH43964 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 27,793 | 5.6 mi |
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS WEIRTON LLC WEIRTON, WV26062 | Chromium compounds (except for chromite ore mined in the Transvaal Region) | 2,300 | 7.6 mi |
W H SAMMIS PLANT STRATTON, OH43961 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 1,166 | 0.7 mi |
HERITAGE THERMAL SERVICES EAST LIVERPOOL, OH43920 | Copper | 46 | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Hancock County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Cumberland compares by contaminant
Explore where New Cumberland ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Cumberland's water comes from
New Cumberland's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,985 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near New Cumberland
New Cumberland is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Cumberland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OAKLAND PSD | WV3301517 | 1,659 | GW |
| NEW CUMBERLAND, CITY OF | WV3301515 | 1,326 | GW |
How New Cumberland compares
Full West Virginia rankings →New Cumberland'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 New Cumberland, WV
Wikipedia →Weirton is a city in Hancock and Brooke counties in the U.S. state of West Virginia. It is located along the Ohio River in the state's northern panhandle bordering Ohio and Pennsylvania. The population was 19,163 at the 2020 census, making it the seventh-most populous city in West Virginia.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Cumberland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hancock
Frequently asked questions
Is New Cumberland, WV tap water safe to drink?
New Cumberland's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #188 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in New Cumberland's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 164 violations are on record.
How is New Cumberland'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 New Cumberland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Cumberland's water come from?
New Cumberland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,985 residents.
What health violations has New Cumberland's water system had?
New Cumberland has 7 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. 70 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Cumberland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Cumberland uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 164 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does New Cumberland's water compare to other cities?
New Cumberland ranks #188 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 24% of state cities) and #14263 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.