Is Philippi, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 70 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
41/100
waterverge.com Philippi, WV — Water Quality Report
Philippi's drinking water received a grade of F (41 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 5,806 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 108 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 70 remain unresolved.
What to know about Philippi's water
Philippi ranks #232 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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 36 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Philippi, WV water safe to drink?
Philippi'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 3 water systems serve approximately 5,806 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Philippi
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Philippi's water quality assessment. Grade: F (41/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Philippi's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Philippi's water system has 108 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 70 remain unresolved. 36 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Barbour County has experienced 8 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 Tygart Valley River, Middle Fork River, Buckhannon River.
Where does Philippi's water come from?
Philippi's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 5,806 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Tygart Valley River (river), Middle Fork River (river), Buckhannon River (river).
What Philippi residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Philippi'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.
Philippi'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 droughtBarbour 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
Barbour County has experienced 8 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. | 0.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Philippi compares by contaminant
Explore where Philippi ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Philippi's water comes from
Philippi'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 5,806 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Philippi
Philippi is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Philippi
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PHILIPPI CITY OF | WV3300104 | 3,500 | SW |
| CENTRAL BARBOUR PSD | WV3300106 | 2,050 | SWP |
| PHILIPPI CITY OF - WELLINGTON HEIGHTS | WV3300108 | 256 | SWP |
How Philippi compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Philippi'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 →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Philippi's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Barbour
Frequently asked questions
Is Philippi, WV tap water safe to drink?
Philippi's water quality earned a grade of F (41/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #232 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Philippi's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 108 violations are on record.
How is Philippi'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 Philippi?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Philippi's water come from?
Philippi's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 5,806 residents.
What health violations has Philippi's water system had?
Philippi has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 70 violations remain unresolved.
How does Philippi's water compare to other cities?
Philippi ranks #232 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 6% of state cities) and #15060 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.