Is Paden City, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
41/100
waterverge.com Paden City, WV — Water Quality Report
Paden City's drinking water received a grade of F (41 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,291 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 284 violations on record, including 33 health-based violations. 150 remain unresolved.
What to know about Paden City's water
Paden City ranks #233 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Paden City 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, Paden City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 180 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Paden City, WV water safe to drink?
Paden City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (41/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,291 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Paden City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Paden City's water quality assessment. Grade: F (41/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Tetrachloroethylene, Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4220). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Paden City'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
Paden City's water system has 284 total violations on record, including 33 health-based violations. 150 remain unresolved. 180 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wetzel County has experienced 9 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 Ohio River, Ohio River Above Sardis, Middle Island Creek.
Where does Paden City's water come from?
Paden City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,291 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Ohio River (river), Ohio River Above Sardis (river), Middle Island Creek (river).
What Paden City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Paden City'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.
Paden City'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 Paden City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Paden City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PAUL WISSMACH GLASS CO PADEN CITY, WV26159 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
PRECISION INTERNATIONAL LLC SISTERSVILLE, WV26175 | — | — | 4.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Paden City
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- PADEN CITY GROUNDWATER0.3 mi
- ORMET CORP8.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtWetzel County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Wetzel County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Paden City'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. | 1.0 | 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. | 1.48 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Paden City compares by contaminant
Explore where Paden City ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Paden City's water comes from
Paden City'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 3,291 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Paden City
Paden City is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Paden City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PADEN CITY, CITY OF | WV3305204 | 3,291 | GW |
How Paden City compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Paden City's score of 41/100 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 Paden City, WV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Paden City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wetzel
Frequently asked questions
Is Paden City, WV tap water safe to drink?
Paden City's water quality earned a grade of F (41/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #233 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Paden City's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 284 violations are on record.
How is Paden City'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 Paden City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Paden City's water come from?
Paden City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,291 residents.
What health violations has Paden City's water system had?
Paden City has 33 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. 150 violations remain unresolved.
Is Paden City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Paden City 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 284 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 Paden City's water compare to other cities?
Paden City ranks #233 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 6% of state cities) and #15064 out of 15744 cities nationally (4th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Paden City's small water system affect quality?
Paden City's system serves approximately 3,291 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 284 violations on record.