Is Terra Alta, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 30 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
43.5/100
waterverge.com Terra Alta, WV — Water Quality Report
Terra Alta's drinking water received a grade of F (43.5 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,181 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 3.1 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 85 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
What to know about Terra Alta's water
Terra Alta ranks #207 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Terra Alta 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.
As a small community water system, Terra Alta may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 48 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Terra Alta, WV water safe to drink?
Terra Alta's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,181 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Terra Alta
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Terra Alta's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43.5/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4455). 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 Terra Alta's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Terra Alta's water system has 85 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved. 48 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Preston County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Cheat River Below Saltlick Creek, Cheat River, Youghiogheny River.
Where does Terra Alta's water come from?
Terra Alta's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,181 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Cheat River Below Saltlick Creek (river), Cheat River (river), Youghiogheny River (river).
What Terra Alta residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Terra Alta'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.
Terra Alta'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 Terra Alta
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Terra Alta, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALLEGHENY WOOD PRODUCTS INC MILL 5 KINGWOOD, WV26537 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
U.S. ARMY NATIONAL GUARD CAMP DAWSON KINGWOOD, WV26537 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtPreston 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
Preston County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 3.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Terra Alta compares by contaminant
Explore where Terra Alta ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Terra Alta's water comes from
Terra Alta'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 3,181 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Terra Alta
Terra Alta is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Terra Alta
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TERRA ALTA WATER WORKS | WV3303917 | 1,856 | GU |
| ALPINE LAKE PUBLIC UTILITIES | WV3303921 | 1,325 | GW |
How Terra Alta compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Terra Alta's score of 43.5/100 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 Terra Alta, WV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Terra Alta's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Preston
Frequently asked questions
Is Terra Alta, WV tap water safe to drink?
Terra Alta's water quality earned a grade of F (43.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #207 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Terra Alta's water?
Lead was measured at 3.1 ppb (90th percentile). 85 violations are on record.
How is Terra Alta'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 Terra Alta?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Terra Alta's water come from?
Terra Alta's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,181 residents.
What health violations has Terra Alta's water system had?
Terra Alta has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 30 violations remain unresolved.
Is Terra Alta's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Terra Alta 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 85 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 Terra Alta's water compare to other cities?
Terra Alta ranks #207 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 17% of state cities) and #14569 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.