Is Worthington, WV Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 83 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
44.2/100
waterverge.com Worthington, WV — Water Quality Report
Worthington's drinking water received a grade of F (44.2 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 951 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 158 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 83 remain unresolved.
What to know about Worthington's water
Worthington ranks #195 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.03 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Worthington may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 74 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Worthington, WV water safe to drink?
Worthington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 951 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Worthington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Worthington's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44.2/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4884). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Worthington's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Worthington's water system has 158 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 83 remain unresolved. 74 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Marion 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 Tygart Valley River, West Fork River, Whetstone Run, Buffalo Creek.
Where does Worthington's water come from?
Worthington's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 951 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Tygart Valley River (river), West Fork River (river), Whetstone Run (lake), Buffalo Creek (river).
What Worthington residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Worthington'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.
Worthington'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 Worthington
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Worthington, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 121 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AMERICAN BITUMINOUS POWER PARTNERS LP GRANT TOWN, WV26574 | Manganese compounds | 121 | 8.4 mi |
PRATT & WHITNEY ENGINE SERVICES INC. BRIDGEPORT, WV26330 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
CENTRAL SUPPLY CO OF WV - SALTWELL PLANT BRIDGEPORT, WV26330 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
HARRISON COUNTY COAL RESOURCES SHINNSTON, WV26431 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
NOVELIS CORP FAIRMONT, WV26554 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Worthington
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- BIG JOHN SALVAGE HOULT ROAD8.0 mi
- SHARON STEEL CORP FAIRMONT COKE WORKS8.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMarion 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
Marion 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.
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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Worthington compares by contaminant
Explore where Worthington ranks among all West Virginia cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Worthington's water comes from
Worthington'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 951 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Worthington
Worthington is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Worthington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WORTHINGTON TOWN OF | WV3302524 | 598 | SWP |
| HUTCHINSON COMMUNITY WATER ASSOC | WV3302531 | 353 | SWP |
How Worthington compares
Full West Virginia rankings →Worthington's score of 44.2/100 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 Worthington, WV
Wikipedia →Worthington is a town in Marion County, West Virginia, United States. The population was 183 at the 2020 census. Worthington was incorporated in 1893 and named for Colonel George Worthington, an early settler. U.S. Route 19 passes through the town.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Worthington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Marion
Frequently asked questions
Is Worthington, WV tap water safe to drink?
Worthington's water quality earned a grade of F (44.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #195 out of 248 cities tested in West Virginia.
What contaminants are in Worthington's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 158 violations are on record.
How is Worthington'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 Worthington?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Worthington's water come from?
Worthington's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 951 residents.
What health violations has Worthington's water system had?
Worthington has 2 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. 83 violations remain unresolved.
How does Worthington's water compare to other cities?
Worthington ranks #195 out of 248 cities in West Virginia (better than 21% of state cities) and #14419 out of 15744 cities nationally (8th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.