Is Thomas, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 57 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com Thomas, WV — Water Quality Report
Thomas's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 753 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 262 violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved.
What to know about Thomas's water
Thomas ranks #191 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, Thomas may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 129 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Thomas, WV water safe to drink?
Thomas's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 753 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Thomas
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Thomas's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Simazine.
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 Thomas's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Thomas's water system has 262 total violations on record, including 27 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved. 129 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tucker 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 Dry Fork, Blackwater River.
Where does Thomas's water come from?
Thomas's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 753 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Dry Fork (river), Blackwater River (river).
What Thomas residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Thomas'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.
Thomas'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 droughtTucker 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
Tucker 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. | 0.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Thomas compares by contaminant
Explore where Thomas ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Thomas's water comes from
Thomas'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 753 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Thomas
Thomas 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 Thomas
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| THOMAS CITY OF | WV3304709 | 753 | SW |
How Thomas compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Thomas's score of 45/100 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 Thomas, WV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Thomas's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tucker
Frequently asked questions
Is Thomas, WV tap water safe to drink?
Thomas's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #191 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Thomas's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 262 violations are on record.
How is Thomas'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 Thomas?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Thomas's water come from?
Thomas's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 753 residents.
What health violations has Thomas's water system had?
Thomas has 27 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. 57 violations remain unresolved.
How does Thomas's water compare to other cities?
Thomas ranks #191 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 23% of state cities) and #14306 out of 15744 cities nationally (9th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Thomas's small water system affect quality?
Thomas's system serves approximately 753 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 262 violations on record.