Is Oceana, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 46 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Oceana, WV — Water Quality Report
Oceana's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,796 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 196 violations on record, including 40 health-based violations. 46 remain unresolved.
What to know about Oceana's water
Oceana ranks #167 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.
The system has seen 66 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Oceana, WV water safe to drink?
Oceana's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,796 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Oceana
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Oceana's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Lead and Copper Rule.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4093). Hurricane 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 Oceana's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Oceana's water system has 196 total violations on record, including 40 health-based violations. 46 remain unresolved. 66 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wyoming County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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 Guyandotte River, Clear Fork.
Where does Oceana's water come from?
Oceana's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,796 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Guyandotte River (river), Clear Fork (river).
What Oceana residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Oceana'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.
Oceana'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 droughtWyoming 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
Wyoming County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Oceana compares by contaminant
Explore where Oceana ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Oceana's water comes from
Oceana'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 3,796 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Oceana
Oceana is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Oceana
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OCEANA COMMUNITY OF | WV3305516 | 3,796 | SW |
How Oceana compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Oceana's score of 46/100 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 Oceana, WV
Wikipedia →Oceana is a town in Wyoming County, West Virginia. The population was 1,462 at the time of the 2020 census. Oceana is the oldest city in Wyoming County and was the county seat until 1907.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Oceana's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wyoming
Frequently asked questions
Is Oceana, WV tap water safe to drink?
Oceana's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #167 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Oceana's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 196 violations are on record.
How is Oceana'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 Oceana?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Oceana's water come from?
Oceana's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,796 residents.
What health violations has Oceana's water system had?
Oceana has 40 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 46 violations remain unresolved.
How does Oceana's water compare to other cities?
Oceana ranks #167 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 33% of state cities) and #13974 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.