Is Franklin, 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 ↓
75.2/100
waterverge.com Franklin, WV — Water Quality Report
Franklin's drinking water received a grade of B (75.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 633 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 92 violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Franklin's water
Franklin ranks #78 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Franklin 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, Franklin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Franklin, WV water safe to drink?
Franklin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 633 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Franklin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Franklin's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.2/100).
Contaminants: Cadmium, Chromium, Fluoride.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: BHC-GAMMA, Methoxychlor, Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate.
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 Franklin'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
Franklin's water system has 92 total violations on record, including 22 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pendleton County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1985. 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 South Mill Creek.
Where does Franklin's water come from?
Franklin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 633 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Mill Creek (lake).
What Franklin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Franklin'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.
Franklin'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 Franklin
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Franklin, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GREER INDUSTRIES INC. DBA GREER LIME CO RIVERTON, WV26814 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
ALLEGHENY WOOD PRODUCTS INC MILL 1 RIVERTON, WV26814 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtPendleton 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
Pendleton County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1985. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Franklin'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. | 1.5 | 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. | 1.51 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.515 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Franklin compares by contaminant
Explore where Franklin ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Franklin's water comes from
Franklin'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 633 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Franklin
Franklin is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Franklin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PENDLETON CO PSD-UPPER TRACT | WV3303611 | 633 | GU |
How Franklin compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Franklin's score of 75.2/100 is above the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →About Franklin, WV
Wikipedia →Upper Tract is an unincorporated community in Pendleton County, West Virginia, United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Franklin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pendleton
Frequently asked questions
Is Franklin, WV tap water safe to drink?
Franklin's water quality earned a grade of B (75.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #78 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Franklin's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 92 violations are on record.
How is Franklin'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 Franklin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Franklin's water come from?
Franklin's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 633 residents.
What health violations has Franklin's water system had?
Franklin has 22 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Franklin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Franklin 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 92 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 Franklin's water compare to other cities?
Franklin ranks #78 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 69% of state cities) and #9663 out of 15744 cities nationally (39th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Franklin's small water system affect quality?
Franklin's system serves approximately 633 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 92 violations on record.