Is Union, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
78.9/100
waterverge.com Union, WV — Water Quality Report
Union's drinking water received a grade of B (78.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 758 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 20 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Union's water
Union ranks #62 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it above 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, Union may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Union, WV water safe to drink?
Union's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 758 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Union
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Union's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.9/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4273). Flood 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 Union's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Union's water system has 20 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Monroe County has experienced 7 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 Greenbrier River.
Where does Union's water come from?
Union's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 758 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Greenbrier River (river).
What Union residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Union'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.
Union'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 Union
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Union, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GOODRICH CORP DEICING & SPECIALTY SYSTEMS DIV UNION, WV24983 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtMonroe 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
Monroe County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Union's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 6.27 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 6.272 mg/L (2007)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Union compares by contaminant
Explore where Union ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Union's water comes from
Union'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 758 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Union
Union 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 Union
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNION TOWN OF | WV3303207 | 758 | SW |
How Union compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Union's score of 78.9/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →About Union, WV
Wikipedia →Union is a town in Monroe County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 427 at the 2020 census. It is the county seat of Monroe County.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Union's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Monroe
Frequently asked questions
Is Union, WV tap water safe to drink?
Union's water quality earned a grade of B (78.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #62 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Union's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 20 violations are on record.
How is Union'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 Union?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Union's water come from?
Union's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 758 residents.
What health violations has Union's water system had?
Union has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
How does Union's water compare to other cities?
Union ranks #62 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 75% of state cities) and #8476 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Union's small water system affect quality?
Union's system serves approximately 758 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 20 violations on record.