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 ↓
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.
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Snowshoe Resort, WV water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Snowshoe Resort
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Snowshoe Resort's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4273). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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.
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.
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.
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
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Snowshoe Resort'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.
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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtPocahontas 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
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.
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. | 0.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Snowshoe Resort compares by contaminant
Explore where Snowshoe Resort ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Snowshoe Resort's water comes from
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.
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.
Water systems serving Snowshoe Resort
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POCAHONTAS CO PSD - CHEAT MOUNTAIN WATER | WV3303808 | 1,867 | SW |
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.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Snowshoe Resort's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pocahontas
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.