Is West Alexander, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
48/100
waterverge.com West Alexander, PA — Water Quality Report
West Alexander's drinking water received a grade of D (48 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 820 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 123 violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about West Alexander's water
West Alexander ranks #352 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania 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, West Alexander may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 30 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is West Alexander, PA water safe to drink?
West Alexander's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 820 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for West Alexander
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West Alexander's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3235). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for West Alexander's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
West Alexander's water system has 123 total violations on record, including 28 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 30 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington County has experienced 6 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.
Where does West Alexander's water come from?
West Alexander's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 820 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What West Alexander residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in West Alexander'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.
West Alexander'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 West Alexander
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near West Alexander, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OHIO COUNTY COAL RESOURCES INC. DALLAS, WV26036 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Washington County has experienced 6 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how West Alexander compares by contaminant
Explore where West Alexander ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where West Alexander's water comes from
West Alexander'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 820 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving West Alexander
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DONEGAL TOWNSHIP | PA5630068 | 820 | SWP |
How West Alexander compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →West Alexander's score of 48/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About West Alexander, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to West Alexander's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is West Alexander, PA tap water safe to drink?
West Alexander's water quality earned a grade of D (48/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #352 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in West Alexander's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 123 violations are on record.
How is West Alexander'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 West Alexander?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does West Alexander's water come from?
West Alexander's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 820 residents.
What health violations has West Alexander's water system had?
West Alexander has 28 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. 23 violations remain unresolved.
How does West Alexander's water compare to other cities?
West Alexander ranks #352 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 37% of state cities) and #13544 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does West Alexander's small water system affect quality?
West Alexander's system serves approximately 820 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 123 violations on record.