Is Reader, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
82/100
waterverge.com Reader, WV — Water Quality Report
Reader's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,378 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 12 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Reader's water
Reader ranks #53 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Reader purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Reader may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Reader, WV water safe to drink?
Reader's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,378 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Reader
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Reader's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Reader'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
Reader's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved. 3 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, Middle Island Creek.
Where does Reader's water come from?
Reader's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,378 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), Middle Island Creek (river).
What Reader residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Reader'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.
Reader'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 Reader
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Reader, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALLEGHENY WOOD PRODUCTS INC. MILL #11 JACKSONBURG, WV26377 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
HASTINGS EXTRACTION PLANT PINE GROVE, WV26419 | — | — | 3.0 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Reader'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. | 1.9 | 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. | 1.35 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.350 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Reader compares by contaminant
Explore where Reader ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Reader's water comes from
Reader purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Reader's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 1,378 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Reader
Reader is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Reader
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WETZEL CO PSD 1 | WV3305207 | 1,378 | GWP |
How Reader compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Reader's score of 82/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →About Reader, WV
Wikipedia →Reader is a census-designated place (CDP) in Wetzel County, West Virginia, United States. As of the 2020 census, its population was 278.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Reader's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wetzel
Frequently asked questions
Is Reader, WV tap water safe to drink?
Reader's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #53 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Reader's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is Reader'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 Reader?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Reader's water come from?
Reader's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,378 residents.
What health violations has Reader's water system had?
Reader has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Reader's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Reader 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 12 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 Reader's water compare to other cities?
Reader ranks #53 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 79% of state cities) and #7225 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Reader's small water system affect quality?
Reader's system serves approximately 1,378 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 12 violations on record.