Is Slab Fork, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.4/100
waterverge.com Slab Fork, WV — Water Quality Report
Slab Fork's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 550 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 49 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Slab Fork's water
Slab Fork ranks #85 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Slab Fork 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 Slab Fork, WV water safe to drink?
Slab Fork's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 550 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Slab Fork
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Slab Fork's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4093). Hurricane 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 Slab Fork's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Slab Fork's water system has 49 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Raleigh County has experienced 10 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 Piney Creek.
Where does Slab Fork's water come from?
Slab Fork's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 550 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Piney Creek (river).
What Slab Fork residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Slab Fork'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.
Slab Fork'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 droughtRaleigh 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
Raleigh County has experienced 10 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. | 2.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Slab Fork compares by contaminant
Explore where Slab Fork ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Slab Fork's water comes from
Slab Fork'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 550 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Slab Fork
Slab Fork is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Slab Fork
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RALEIGH COUNTY PSD SLAB FORK | WV3304120 | 550 | SWP |
How Slab Fork compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Slab Fork's score of 73.4/100 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 →About Slab Fork, WV
Wikipedia →Sophia is a town in Raleigh County, West Virginia, United States. It was incorporated in 1912. The population was 1,124 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Slab Fork's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Raleigh
Frequently asked questions
Is Slab Fork, WV tap water safe to drink?
Slab Fork's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #85 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Slab Fork's water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 49 violations are on record.
How is Slab Fork'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 Slab Fork?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Slab Fork's water come from?
Slab Fork's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 550 residents.
What health violations has Slab Fork's water system had?
Slab Fork has 7 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. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Slab Fork's water compare to other cities?
Slab Fork ranks #85 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 66% of state cities) and #10089 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 Slab Fork's small water system affect quality?
Slab Fork's system serves approximately 550 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 49 violations on record.