Is Piedmont, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 109 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
42/100
waterverge.com Piedmont, WV — Water Quality Report
Piedmont's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 847 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 7.9 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 409 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 109 remain unresolved.
What to know about Piedmont's water
Piedmont ranks #225 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Piedmont may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 195 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Piedmont, WV water safe to drink?
Piedmont's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 847 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Piedmont
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Piedmont's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Piedmont's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Piedmont's water system has 409 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 109 remain unresolved. 195 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mineral County has experienced 6 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 Abram Creek, North Branch Potomac River, Jennings Randolph Lake, Savage River, Savage River Reservoir.
Where does Piedmont's water come from?
Piedmont's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 847 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Abram Creek (river), North Branch Potomac River (river), Jennings Randolph Lake (lake), Savage River (river), Savage River Reservoir (lake).
What Piedmont residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Piedmont'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Piedmont'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 Piedmont
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Piedmont, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KINGSFORD MANUFACTURING CO KEYSER, WV26726 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMineral 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
Mineral County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Piedmont'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. | 7.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Piedmont compares by contaminant
Explore where Piedmont ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Piedmont's water comes from
Piedmont'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 847 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Piedmont
Piedmont 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 Piedmont
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIEDMONT MUNICIPAL WTR WKS | WV3302921 | 847 | SW |
How Piedmont compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Piedmont's score of 42/100 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 Piedmont, WV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Piedmont's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mineral
Frequently asked questions
Is Piedmont, WV tap water safe to drink?
Piedmont's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #225 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Piedmont's water?
Lead was measured at 7.9 ppb (90th percentile). 409 violations are on record.
How is Piedmont'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 Piedmont?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Piedmont's water come from?
Piedmont's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 847 residents.
What health violations has Piedmont's water system had?
Piedmont has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 109 violations remain unresolved.
How does Piedmont's water compare to other cities?
Piedmont ranks #225 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 9% of state cities) and #14917 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Piedmont's small water system affect quality?
Piedmont's system serves approximately 847 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 409 violations on record.