Is Proctor, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.5/100
waterverge.com Proctor, WV — Water Quality Report
Proctor's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,942 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.6 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 48 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Proctor's water
Proctor ranks #84 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Proctor 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.
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, Proctor may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Proctor, WV water safe to drink?
Proctor's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,942 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Proctor
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Proctor's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: BHC-GAMMA, Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, Simazine.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Proctor'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
Proctor's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved. 8 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.
Where does Proctor's water come from?
Proctor's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,942 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).
What Proctor residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Proctor'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.
Proctor'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 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 Proctor'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. | 5.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Proctor compares by contaminant
Explore where Proctor ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Proctor's water comes from
Proctor'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,942 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Proctor
Proctor is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Proctor
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRANDVIEW - DOOLIN PSD | WV3305206 | 1,942 | GW |
How Proctor compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Proctor's score of 73.5/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Proctor's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wetzel
Frequently asked questions
Is Proctor, WV tap water safe to drink?
Proctor's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #84 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Proctor's water?
Lead was measured at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Proctor'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 Proctor?
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 Proctor's water come from?
Proctor's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,942 residents.
What health violations has Proctor's water system had?
Proctor has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Proctor's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Proctor 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 48 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 Proctor's water compare to other cities?
Proctor ranks #84 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 66% of state cities) and #10074 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Proctor's small water system affect quality?
Proctor's system serves approximately 1,942 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 48 violations on record.