Is West Union, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
42/100
waterverge.com West Union, WV — Water Quality Report
West Union's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,943 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 134 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved.
What to know about West Union's water
West Union ranks #224 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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 Union may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 42 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is West Union, WV water safe to drink?
West Union's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,943 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for West Union
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West Union's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4220). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for West Union'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
West Union's water system has 134 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 33 remain unresolved. 42 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Doddridge County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1967. 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 Meathouse Fork.
Where does West Union's water come from?
West Union's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,943 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Meathouse Fork (river).
What West Union residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in West Union'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 Union'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 Union
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near West Union, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SHERWOOD PLANT WEST UNION, WV26456 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
SMITHBURG GAS PLANT WEST UNION, WV26456 | — | — | 2.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtDoddridge 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
Doddridge County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1967. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in West Union'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. | 1.4 | 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. | 1.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how West Union compares by contaminant
Explore where West Union ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where West Union's water comes from
West Union'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 1,943 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near West Union
West Union is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving West Union
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST UNION, TOWN OF | WV3300901 | 1,895 | SW |
| DODDRIDGE COUNTY PSD | WV3300902 | 48 | SWP |
How West Union compares
Full West Virginia rankings →West Union's score of 42/100 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 Union, WV
Wikipedia →West Union is a town in and the county seat of Doddridge County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 669 at the 2020 census. The town is located along Middle Island Creek at the junction of U.S. Route 50 and West Virginia Route 18; the North Bend Rail Trail also passes through the town. It was incorporated on July 20, 1881.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to West Union's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Doddridge
Frequently asked questions
Is West Union, WV tap water safe to drink?
West Union's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #224 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in West Union's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 134 violations are on record.
How is West Union'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 Union?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does West Union's water come from?
West Union's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,943 residents.
What health violations has West Union's water system had?
West Union has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 33 violations remain unresolved.
How does West Union's water compare to other cities?
West Union ranks #224 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 10% of state cities) and #14897 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.