Is Windsor Heights, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
65.1/100
waterverge.com Windsor Heights, WV — Water Quality Report
Windsor Heights's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,186 residents using 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 83 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved.
What to know about Windsor Heights's water
Windsor Heights ranks #105 out of 248 cities in West Virginia for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Windsor Heights may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Windsor Heights, WV water safe to drink?
Windsor Heights's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,186 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Windsor Heights
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Windsor Heights's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.1/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4787). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
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 Windsor Heights'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
Windsor Heights's water system has 83 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 20 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Brooke 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. Local water sources include Short Creek Near Dillonvale, Ohio R.
Where does Windsor Heights's water come from?
Windsor Heights's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,186 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Short Creek Near Dillonvale (river), Ohio R (river).
What Windsor Heights residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Windsor Heights'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.
Windsor Heights'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 Windsor Heights
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Windsor Heights, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 90,942 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARDINAL PLANT BRILLIANT, OH43913 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 90,756 | 4.2 mi |
JSW STEEL USA OHIO INC. MINGO JUNCTION, OH43938 | Zinc compounds | 185 | 8.9 mi |
TURF CARE SUPPLY LLC. MARTINS FERRY, OH43935 | 2,4-D | 1 | 4.6 mi |
AES INDUSTRIES INC WHEELING, WV26003 | Copper | 0 | 8.3 mi |
SAFETY-KLEEN SYSTEMS WHEELING (WHE) WHEELING, WV26003 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Brooke 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Windsor Heights'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 140.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 140.000 mg/L (2015)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Windsor Heights compares by contaminant
Explore where Windsor Heights ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Windsor Heights's water comes from
Windsor Heights'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 2,186 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Windsor Heights
Windsor Heights 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 Windsor Heights
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAMMOND PSD | WV3300508 | 2,186 | SW |
How Windsor Heights compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Windsor Heights's score of 65.1/100 is on par with the average of 65/100 among major West Virginia cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View West Virginia rankings →About Windsor Heights, WV
Wikipedia →Wellsburg is a city in and the county seat of Brooke County, West Virginia, United States. The 2020 census recorded a population of 2,455. It is a part of the Weirton–Steubenville metropolitan area. The city's economy includes several telemarketing facilities, and a factory that does metal fabrication and plastics molding.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Windsor Heights's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Brooke
Frequently asked questions
Is Windsor Heights, WV tap water safe to drink?
Windsor Heights's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #105 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Windsor Heights's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 83 violations are on record.
How is Windsor Heights'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 Windsor Heights?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Windsor Heights's water come from?
Windsor Heights's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,186 residents.
What health violations has Windsor Heights's water system had?
Windsor Heights has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 20 violations remain unresolved.
How does Windsor Heights's water compare to other cities?
Windsor Heights ranks #105 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 58% of state cities) and #11572 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Windsor Heights's small water system affect quality?
Windsor Heights's system serves approximately 2,186 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 83 violations on record.