Is Newell, 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 ↓
88.4/100
waterverge.com Newell, WV — Water Quality Report
Newell's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 4,963 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.3 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 58 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Newell's water
Newell ranks #18 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Newell 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Newell, WV water safe to drink?
Newell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 4,963 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Newell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Newell's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.4/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Xylenes, Total.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Newell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Newell's water system has 58 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 2 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 Little Beaver Creek Near East Liverpool, Ohio R.
Where does Newell's water come from?
Newell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 4,963 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 Newell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Newell'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.
Newell'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 Newell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Newell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 36,362 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 | 1.7 mi |
W H SAMMIS PLANT STRATTON, OH43961 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 1,166 | 6.3 mi |
ALLEGHENY & TSINGSHAN STAINLESS LLC MIDLAND, PA15059 | Manganese compounds | 597 | 7.9 mi |
VALMONT PITTSBURGH GALVANIZING MIDLAND, PA15059 | Zinc compounds | 384 | 8.0 mi |
HERITAGE THERMAL SERVICES EAST LIVERPOOL, OH43920 | Copper | 46 | 2.8 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. | 0.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Newell compares by contaminant
Explore where Newell ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Newell's water comes from
Newell'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 private ownership and serves approximately 4,963 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Newell
Newell is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Newell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOMLINSON PSD-NEWELL | WV3301516 | 4,963 | GW |
How Newell compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Newell's score of 88.4/100 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 Newell, 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 Newell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Hancock
Frequently asked questions
Is Newell, WV tap water safe to drink?
Newell's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #18 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Newell's water?
Lead was measured at 0.3 ppb (90th percentile). 58 violations are on record.
How is Newell'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 Newell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Newell's water come from?
Newell's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 4,963 residents.
What health violations has Newell's water system had?
Newell has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Newell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Newell 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 58 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 Newell's water compare to other cities?
Newell ranks #18 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 93% of state cities) and #3461 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.