Is Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely), WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 59 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
43/100
waterverge.com Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely), WV — Water Quality Report
Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'s drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,806 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.3 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 235 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 59 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'s water
Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely) ranks #211 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely) 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, Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely) may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 33 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely), WV water safe to drink?
Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'s drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,806 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'s water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'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
Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'s water system has 235 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 59 remain unresolved. 33 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 Wills Creek, North Branch Potomac River.
Where does Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'s water come from?
Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'s drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,806 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wills Creek (river), North Branch Potomac River (river).
What Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely) residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'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.
Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'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
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 Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'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. | 6.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely) compares by contaminant
Explore where Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely) ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'s water comes from
Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'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 1,806 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)
Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely) is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARPENDALE, TOWN OF | WV3302947 | 937 | GW |
| RIDGELEY, TOWN OF | WV3302923 | 737 | SWP |
| KNOBLEY WATER SYSTEM | WV3302946 | 132 | GW |
How Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely) compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'s score of 43/100 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 Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely), WV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'s water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mineral
Frequently asked questions
Is Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely), WV tap water safe to drink?
Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'s water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #211 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'s water?
Lead was measured at 6.3 ppb (90th percentile). 235 violations are on record.
How is Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'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 Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)?
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 Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'s water come from?
Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'s water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,806 residents.
What health violations has Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'s water system had?
Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely) has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 59 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'s groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely) 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 235 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 Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely)'s water compare to other cities?
Ridgeley (Rr Name Ridgely) ranks #211 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 15% of state cities) and #14693 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.