WaterVerge

Is Snowshoe Resort, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded D+, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: WV3303808
Overall Score
51.8 / 100
Violations
23 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#132 of 248 in West Virginia Top 82% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
D+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
51.8/100
waterverge.com
D+ 51.8/100

Snowshoe Resort, WV — Water Quality Report

Snowshoe Resort's drinking water received a grade of D+ (51.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,867 residents using surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 0.2 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 63 violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Snowshoe Resort's water

Snowshoe Resort ranks #132 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it below average 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, Snowshoe Resort may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 24 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
51.8 out of 100 Grade D+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
5.8/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.2 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Snowshoe Resort, WV water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Snowshoe Resort's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,867 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

23
Active Violations
0.2 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Snowshoe Resort

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Snowshoe Resort's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51.8/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, TTHM.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4273). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4093). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Snowshoe Resort's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.2 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Snowshoe Resort's water system has 63 total violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 24 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMCLMRMONTT
Most recent violations:
Apr 2025 Public Notice Open
Apr 2025 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2025 Public Notice Open
Jan 2025 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2024 TTHM Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Pocahontas 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 Shavers Fork Nr Cheat Bridge, Greenbrier River.

SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4273
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-4093
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3358

Where does Snowshoe Resort's water come from?

Snowshoe Resort's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,867 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Shavers Fork Nr Cheat Bridge (river), Greenbrier River (river).

What Snowshoe Resort residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Snowshoe Resort's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Snowshoe Resort'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.2 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 2% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

63
Total violations
22
Health-based
23
Active / unresolved
Apr 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

63 Total
23 Active
22 Health-based
40 Resolved
9 SNC
Violations by category
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
15
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
13
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
12
Lead and Copper Rule
6
Surface Water Treatment Rule
5
Apr 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Feb 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Feb 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Feb 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Feb 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Dec 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2022 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jan 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2018 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Apr 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2011 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Nov 2009 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Apr 2008 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 63 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Pocahontas 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.

3
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
13.7%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
3
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Jun 2016
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Pocahontas 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.

Jun 2016
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4273
Nov 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #4093
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3358
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3221
Feb 2000
FLOODING, SEVERE STORMS, AND LANDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #1319
May 1996
FLOODING, HEAVY WINDS
Flood FEMA #1115

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.2 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 4.8 ppb from 1998 (5.0 ppb) to 2023 (0.2 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Snowshoe Resort compares by contaminant

Explore where Snowshoe Resort ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Private
Population Served
1,867
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Snowshoe Resort's water comes from

Surface Water

Snowshoe Resort'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,867 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Snowshoe Resort

Snowshoe Resort is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Shavers Fork Nr Cheat Bridge
river
Greenbrier River
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Snowshoe Resort

System Name PWSID Population Source
POCAHONTAS CO PSD - CHEAT MOUNTAIN WATER WV3303808 1,867 SW
Regional Comparison

How Snowshoe Resort compares

Full West Virginia rankings →

Snowshoe Resort's score of 51.8/100 is below the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Snowshoe Resort (this city)
51.8
Charleston
90.1
Huntington
89.7
Morgantown
39.4
Beckley
90
West Virginia avg
65
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Frequently asked questions

Is Snowshoe Resort, WV tap water safe to drink?

Snowshoe Resort's water quality earned a grade of D+ (51.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #132 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.

What contaminants are in Snowshoe Resort's water?

Lead was measured at 0.2 ppb (90th percentile). 63 violations are on record.

How is Snowshoe Resort'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 Snowshoe Resort?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Snowshoe Resort's water come from?

Snowshoe Resort's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,867 residents.

What health violations has Snowshoe Resort's water system had?

Snowshoe Resort has 22 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.

How does Snowshoe Resort's water compare to other cities?

Snowshoe Resort ranks #132 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 47% of state cities) and #12853 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Snowshoe Resort's small water system affect quality?

Snowshoe Resort's system serves approximately 1,867 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 63 violations on record.