Is War, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 87 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
45/100
waterverge.com War, WV — Water Quality Report
War's drinking water received a grade of D (45 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,220 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.9 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 330 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 87 remain unresolved.
What to know about War's water
War ranks #190 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
War 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, War may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 34 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is War, WV water safe to drink?
War'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 1,220 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for War
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into War's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4678). 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 War's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
War's water system has 330 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 87 remain unresolved. 34 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
McDowell County has experienced 8 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 Tug Fork Downstream Of Elkhorn Creek, Dry Fork.
Where does War's water come from?
War's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,220 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tug Fork Downstream Of Elkhorn Creek (river), Dry Fork (river).
What War residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in War'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.
War'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 droughtMcDowell 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
McDowell County has experienced 8 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. | 3.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how War compares by contaminant
Explore where War ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where War's water comes from
War'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 1,220 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near War
War is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving War
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAR WATER WORKS CITY REALTY | WV3302472 | 1,220 | GW |
How War compares
Full West Virginia rankings →War'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 War, WV
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to War's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mcdowell
Frequently asked questions
Is War, WV tap water safe to drink?
War's water quality earned a grade of D (45/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #190 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in War's water?
Lead was measured at 3.9 ppb (90th percentile). 330 violations are on record.
How is War'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 War?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does War's water come from?
War's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,220 residents.
What health violations has War's water system had?
War has 5 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. 87 violations remain unresolved.
Is War's groundwater at risk of contamination?
War 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 330 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 War's water compare to other cities?
War ranks #190 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 23% of state cities) and #14290 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 War's small water system affect quality?
War's system serves approximately 1,220 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 330 violations on record.