WaterVerge

Is Valley Grove, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded D, with 33 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

610 residents served 1 water system PWSID: WV3303513
Overall Score
46 / 100
Violations
33 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#179 of 248 in West Virginia Top 90% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
DGRADE
Water Quality Grade
46/100
waterverge.com
D 46/100

Valley Grove, WV — Water Quality Report

Valley Grove's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 610 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 94 violations on record, including 42 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Valley Grove's water

Valley Grove ranks #179 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, Valley Grove may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 20 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
46 out of 100 Grade D
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Valley Grove, WV water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Valley Grove's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 610 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

33
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
9 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Valley Grove

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Valley Grove's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4884). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

2 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Valley Grove's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Valley Grove's water system has 94 total violations on record, including 42 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved. 20 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRMCLOtherMON
Most recent violations:
Dec 2025 TTHM Open
Oct 2025 TTHM Resolved
Oct 2025 TTHM Resolved
Jul 2025 TTHM Resolved
Jul 2025 TTHM Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Ohio 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 Ohio R, Dunkard Fork, Wheeling Creek.

SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4884
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4787
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA DR-4220

Where does Valley Grove's water come from?

Valley Grove's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 610 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Ohio R (river), Dunkard Fork (lake), Wheeling Creek (river).

What Valley Grove residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Valley Grove's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Valley Grove'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

94
Total violations
42
Health-based
33
Active / unresolved
Dec 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

94 Total
33 Active
42 Health-based
61 Resolved
17 SNC
Violations by category
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
34
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
24
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
19
Lead and Copper Rule
5
Total Coliform Rule
4
Dec 2025 Active
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Apr 2021 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2019 Active
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2018 Active
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2018 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Dec 2017 Active
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Nov 2017 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2017 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2017 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
May 2017 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Mar 2017 Active
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Feb 2017 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2017 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2016 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2015 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2015 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2014 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 94 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Valley Grove

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Valley Grove, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
TURF CARE SUPPLY LLC.
Chemicals · TURF CARE SUPPLY LLC
MARTINS FERRY, OH43935
2,4-D18.0 mi
AES INDUSTRIES INC
Fabricated Metals · LENNOX INTERNATIONAL INC
WHEELING, WV26003
Copper07.4 mi
SAFETY-KLEEN SYSTEMS WHEELING (WHE)
Hazardous Waste · CLEAN HARBORS INC
WHEELING, WV26003
7.6 mi
SWISHER INTERNATIONAL INC
Tobacco · SWISHER INTERNATIONAL INC
WHEELING, WV26003
8.6 mi
NAIL CITY BRONZE
Primary Metals · NA
WHEELING, WV26003
8.0 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

9
Declared disasters
Jul 2025
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Ohio 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.

Jul 2025
SEVERE STORMS, STRAIGHT-LINE WINDS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4884
May 2024
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4787
May 2015
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, LANDSLIDES, AND MUDSLIDES
Flood FEMA #4220
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3358
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3221
Jan 1996
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1096

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 5.0 ppb from 2000 (5.0 ppb) to 2023 (0.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
610
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Valley Grove's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Valley Grove'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 610 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Valley Grove

Valley Grove is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Ohio R
river
Dunkard Fork
lake
Wheeling Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Valley Grove

System Name PWSID Population Source
VALLEY GROVE WATER DEPT WV3303513 610 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Valley Grove compares

Full West Virginia rankings →

Valley Grove's score of 46/100 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.

Valley Grove (this city)
46
Charleston
90.1
Huntington
89.7
Morgantown
39.4
Beckley
90
West Virginia avg
65
City Profile

About Valley Grove, WV

Economic Profile
$50,208
Median Income
$118,471
Median Home Value
$789/mo
Median Rent
5.8%
Unemployment
Community
32.5
Median Age
372
People / sq mi
9.4%
College Educated
87.4%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Valley Grove, WV tap water safe to drink?

Valley Grove's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #179 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.

What contaminants are in Valley Grove's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 94 violations are on record.

How is Valley Grove'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 Valley Grove?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Valley Grove's water come from?

Valley Grove's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 610 residents.

What health violations has Valley Grove's water system had?

Valley Grove has 42 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. 33 violations remain unresolved.

How does Valley Grove's water compare to other cities?

Valley Grove ranks #179 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 28% of state cities) and #14086 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Valley Grove's small water system affect quality?

Valley Grove's system serves approximately 610 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 94 violations on record.