Is West Hamlin, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 56 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
49.2/100
waterverge.com West Hamlin, WV — Water Quality Report
West Hamlin's drinking water received a grade of D (49.2 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,465 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 232 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 56 remain unresolved.
What to know about West Hamlin's water
West Hamlin ranks #141 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, West Hamlin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 26 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is West Hamlin, WV water safe to drink?
West Hamlin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (49.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,465 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for West Hamlin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West Hamlin's water quality assessment. Grade: D (49.2/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrate, Mercury.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4605). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for West Hamlin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
West Hamlin's water system has 232 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 56 remain unresolved. 26 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lincoln County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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 Guyandotte River, Mud River.
Where does West Hamlin's water come from?
West Hamlin's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,465 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Guyandotte River (river), Mud River (lake).
What West Hamlin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in West Hamlin'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 Hamlin'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
D1 — moderate droughtLincoln County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Lincoln County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1977. 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. | 1.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how West Hamlin compares by contaminant
Explore where West Hamlin ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where West Hamlin's water comes from
West Hamlin'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 2,465 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near West Hamlin
West Hamlin is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving West Hamlin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST HAMLIN, CITY OF | WV3302203 | 2,465 | SW |
How West Hamlin compares
Full West Virginia rankings →West Hamlin's score of 49.2/100 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 West Hamlin, WV
Wikipedia →West Hamlin is a town in Lincoln County, West Virginia, United States, along the Guyandotte River. The population was 519 at the 2020 census, and is now down to 509, according to the 2021 census. West Hamlin is a part of the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH, Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). West Hamlin is west of the county seat at Hamlin, hence the name.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to West Hamlin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lincoln
Frequently asked questions
Is West Hamlin, WV tap water safe to drink?
West Hamlin's water quality earned a grade of D (49.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #141 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in West Hamlin's water?
Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 232 violations are on record.
How is West Hamlin'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 Hamlin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does West Hamlin's water come from?
West Hamlin's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,465 residents.
What health violations has West Hamlin's water system had?
West Hamlin has 4 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. 56 violations remain unresolved.
How does West Hamlin's water compare to other cities?
West Hamlin ranks #141 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 43% of state cities) and #13273 out of 15744 cities nationally (16th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does West Hamlin's small water system affect quality?
West Hamlin's system serves approximately 2,465 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 232 violations on record.