Is Pine Grove, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 59 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Pine Grove, WV — Water Quality Report
Pine Grove's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 620 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 201 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 59 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pine Grove's water
Pine Grove ranks #178 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, Pine Grove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 62 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pine Grove, WV water safe to drink?
Pine Grove'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 620 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Pine Grove
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pine Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Public Notice.
2 health-based. Contaminants: Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Pine Grove's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pine Grove's water system has 201 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 59 remain unresolved. 62 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 South Fork Fishing Creek.
Where does Pine Grove's water come from?
Pine Grove's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 620 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Fishing Creek (river).
What Pine Grove residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pine Grove'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.
Pine Grove'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 Pine Grove
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pine Grove, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALLEGHENY WOOD PRODUCTS INC. MILL #11 JACKSONBURG, WV26377 | — | — | 4.5 mi |
HASTINGS EXTRACTION PLANT PINE GROVE, WV26419 | — | — | 0.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pine Grove compares by contaminant
Explore where Pine Grove ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pine Grove's water comes from
Pine Grove'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 620 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pine Grove
Pine Grove is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Pine Grove
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PINE GROVE WATER | WV3305205 | 620 | SW |
How Pine Grove compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Pine Grove'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 Pine Grove, WV
Wikipedia →Pine Grove is a town in Wetzel County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 363 at the 2020 census. The community was named for a grove of pine trees near the original town site.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pine Grove's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wetzel
Frequently asked questions
Is Pine Grove, WV tap water safe to drink?
Pine Grove's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #178 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Pine Grove's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 201 violations are on record.
How is Pine Grove'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 Pine Grove?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pine Grove's water come from?
Pine Grove's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 620 residents.
What health violations has Pine Grove's water system had?
Pine Grove has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 59 violations remain unresolved.
How does Pine Grove's water compare to other cities?
Pine Grove ranks #178 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 28% of state cities) and #14085 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.
Does Pine Grove's small water system affect quality?
Pine Grove's system serves approximately 620 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 201 violations on record.