Is Salem, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 67 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
44/100
waterverge.com Salem, WV — Water Quality Report
Salem's drinking water received a grade of F (44 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,630 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 155 violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 67 remain unresolved.
What to know about Salem's water
Salem ranks #202 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Salem may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 27 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Salem, WV water safe to drink?
Salem's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,630 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Salem
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Salem's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4756). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3358). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Salem's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Salem's water system has 155 total violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 67 remain unresolved. 27 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Harrison County has experienced 8 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.
Where does Salem's water come from?
Salem's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,630 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Salem residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Salem'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.
Salem'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 Salem
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Salem, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SKANA ALUMINUM CO CLARKSBURG, WV26301 | Manganese | 3 | 9.4 mi |
SMITHBURG GAS PLANT WEST UNION, WV26456 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtHarrison 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
Harrison County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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. | 1.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Salem compares by contaminant
Explore where Salem ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Salem's water comes from
Salem'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 1,630 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Salem
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SALEM WATER BOARD | WV3301720 | 1,630 | SWP |
How Salem compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Salem's score of 44/100 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 Salem, WV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Salem's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Harrison
Frequently asked questions
Is Salem, WV tap water safe to drink?
Salem's water quality earned a grade of F (44/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #202 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Salem's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 155 violations are on record.
How is Salem'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 Salem?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Salem's water come from?
Salem's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,630 residents.
What health violations has Salem's water system had?
Salem has 38 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. 67 violations remain unresolved.
How does Salem's water compare to other cities?
Salem ranks #202 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 19% of state cities) and #14484 out of 15744 cities nationally (8th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Salem's small water system affect quality?
Salem's system serves approximately 1,630 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 155 violations on record.