Is New Manchester (Pughtown), WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.9/100
waterverge.com New Manchester (Pughtown), WV — Water Quality Report
New Manchester (Pughtown)'s drinking water received a grade of A- (86.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,079 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 7 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Manchester (Pughtown)'s water
New Manchester (Pughtown) ranks #25 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
New Manchester (Pughtown) purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, New Manchester (Pughtown) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Manchester (Pughtown), WV water safe to drink?
New Manchester (Pughtown)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,079 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Manchester (Pughtown)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Manchester (Pughtown)'s water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.9/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Manchester (Pughtown)'s water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Manchester (Pughtown)'s water system has 7 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was 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 Little Beaver Creek Near East Liverpool, Ohio R.
Where does New Manchester (Pughtown)'s water come from?
New Manchester (Pughtown)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,079 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Beaver Creek Near East Liverpool (river), Ohio R (river).
What New Manchester (Pughtown) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Manchester (Pughtown)'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 Manchester (Pughtown)'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
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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Manchester (Pughtown) compares by contaminant
Explore where New Manchester (Pughtown) ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Manchester (Pughtown)'s water comes from
New Manchester (Pughtown) purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of New Manchester (Pughtown)'s local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,079 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New Manchester (Pughtown)
New Manchester (Pughtown) is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Manchester (Pughtown)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOMLINSON PSD | WV3301519 | 2,079 | GWP |
How New Manchester (Pughtown) compares
Full West Virginia rankings →New Manchester (Pughtown)'s score of 86.9/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →About New Manchester (Pughtown), WV
Wikipedia →Chester is a city in Hancock County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 2,214 at the 2020 census. It is located along the Ohio River in the state's northern panhandle and is the northernmost city in West Virginia. Chester is considered part of the Weirton–Steubenville metropolitan area and is home to the Chester teapot attraction, dubbed the "world's largest teapot".
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Manchester (Pughtown)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hancock
Frequently asked questions
Is New Manchester (Pughtown), WV tap water safe to drink?
New Manchester (Pughtown)'s water quality earned a grade of A- (86.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #25 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in New Manchester (Pughtown)'s water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 7 violations are on record.
How is New Manchester (Pughtown)'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 Manchester (Pughtown)?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Manchester (Pughtown)'s water come from?
New Manchester (Pughtown)'s water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,079 residents.
Is New Manchester (Pughtown)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Manchester (Pughtown) 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 7 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 Manchester (Pughtown)'s water compare to other cities?
New Manchester (Pughtown) ranks #25 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 90% of state cities) and #4390 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New Manchester (Pughtown)'s small water system affect quality?
New Manchester (Pughtown)'s system serves approximately 2,079 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 7 violations on record.