Is Paw Paw, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 42 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Paw Paw, WV — Water Quality Report
Paw Paw's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,781 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 179 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 42 remain unresolved.
What to know about Paw Paw's water
Paw Paw ranks #173 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.
As a small community water system, Paw Paw may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 73 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Paw Paw, WV water safe to drink?
Paw Paw'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 2 water systems serve approximately 1,781 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Paw Paw
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Paw Paw's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3358). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3221). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Paw Paw's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Paw Paw's water system has 179 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 42 remain unresolved. 73 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Monongalia 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 Monongahela R, Deckers Creek, Monongahela R L&D8 (Upper Pool) @ Point Marion, Monongahela R L&D8 (Lower Pool) @ Point Marion, Cheat Lake.
Where does Paw Paw's water come from?
Paw Paw's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,781 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Monongahela R (river), Deckers Creek (river), Monongahela R L&D8 (Upper Pool) @ Point Marion (river), Monongahela R L&D8 (Lower Pool) @ Point Marion (river), Cheat Lake (lake).
What Paw Paw residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Paw Paw'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.
Paw Paw'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
D1 — moderate droughtMarion 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
Monongalia 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. | 1.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Paw Paw compares by contaminant
Explore where Paw Paw ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Paw Paw's water comes from
Paw Paw'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 1,781 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Paw Paw
Paw Paw is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Paw Paw
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAW PAW ROUTE 19 PSD | WV3302518 | 1,257 | SWP |
| PAW PAW WATER WORKS | WV3303308 | 524 | SW |
How Paw Paw compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Paw Paw'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 Paw Paw, WV
Wikipedia →Westover is a city in Monongalia County, West Virginia, United States, along the Monongahela River. The population was 3,995 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Morgantown metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Paw Paw's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marion
Frequently asked questions
Is Paw Paw, WV tap water safe to drink?
Paw Paw's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #173 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Paw Paw's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 179 violations are on record.
How is Paw Paw'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 Paw Paw?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Paw Paw's water come from?
Paw Paw's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,781 residents.
What health violations has Paw Paw's water system had?
Paw Paw has 16 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. 42 violations remain unresolved.
How does Paw Paw's water compare to other cities?
Paw Paw ranks #173 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 30% of state cities) and #14033 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.