Is Rainelle, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
41/100
waterverge.com Rainelle, WV — Water Quality Report
Rainelle's drinking water received a grade of F (41 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,671 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 82 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rainelle's water
Rainelle ranks #234 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Rainelle 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.
As a small community water system, Rainelle may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 42 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rainelle, WV water safe to drink?
Rainelle'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 2 water systems serve approximately 1,671 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rainelle
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rainelle's water quality assessment. Grade: F (41/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4273). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4221). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rainelle's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Rainelle's water system has 82 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved. 42 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Greenbrier County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Meadow River, Sewell Creek Ab Ltl Sewell Creek.
Where does Rainelle's water come from?
Rainelle's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,671 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Meadow River (river), Sewell Creek Ab Ltl Sewell Creek (river).
What Rainelle residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rainelle'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.
Rainelle'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 Rainelle
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rainelle, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALLEGHENY WOOD PRODUCTS INC. MILL 10 SMOOT, WV24977 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtGreenbrier 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
Greenbrier County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Rainelle'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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.67 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rainelle compares by contaminant
Explore where Rainelle ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rainelle's water comes from
Rainelle'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,671 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Rainelle
Rainelle is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rainelle
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RAINELLE WATER DEPT | WV3301309 | 1,381 | GW |
| RAINELLE WATER TREATMENT PLANT 2 | WV3301312 | 290 | GW |
How Rainelle compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Rainelle'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 →About Rainelle, WV
Wikipedia →Rainelle is a town on the western edge of Greenbrier County, West Virginia, United States. It sits at the base of Sewell Mountain and Sims Mountain, and is bisected by the Meadow River. The only means of transportation to and from Rainelle are roads; primarily US 60 and WV 20, which merge on the western end of the town, and the James River and Kanawha Turnpike, which enters from the south. The population was 1,190 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rainelle's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Greenbrier
Frequently asked questions
Is Rainelle, WV tap water safe to drink?
Rainelle's water quality earned a grade of F (41/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #234 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Rainelle's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 82 violations are on record.
How is Rainelle'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 Rainelle?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rainelle's water come from?
Rainelle's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,671 residents.
What health violations has Rainelle's water system had?
Rainelle has 14 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. 33 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rainelle's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rainelle 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 82 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 Rainelle's water compare to other cities?
Rainelle ranks #234 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 6% of state cities) and #15073 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.