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WaterSafeCheck

Charleston, WV Tap Water Quality

Water safety reports for all 47 ZIP codes in Charleston, West Virginia

Average Score

94/100

Health Violations

47

ZIP Codes

47

High Lead Risk

10

of 47 ZIP codes

A

About Tap Water in Charleston, WV

Tap water in Charleston, WV ranks among the best in the state, maintaining a remarkable average water quality score of 94/100 across its 47 ZIP codes. Based on recent EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, water provided by Wvawc-kanawha Valley District and other municipal suppliers has consistently met or exceeded federal safety standards. This top-tier "A" grade reflects strong infrastructure, diligent monitoring by West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, and low contaminant levels.

The accumulation of 47 health-based violations over the past 5 years highlights systemic challenges within Charleston's water infrastructure. When violations occur, it means that drinking water tests revealed contaminant levels exceeding safe limits, triggering mandatory corrective actions by West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. The city relies on surface water, which may require significant treatment upgrades to address these recurring issues.

Additionally, lead exposure risk remains a critical issue for certain neighborhoods. EPA data indicates that 10 out of 47 ZIP codes in Charleston are rated as High or Very High risk for lead. This risk is often driven by aging homes with pre-1986 plumbing containing lead solder or service lines. Families in these areas should test their tap water and consider NSF/ANSI 53 certified filters.

⚠ Lead Risk Alert: Some ZIP codes in Charleston are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk based on EPA data. Search your specific ZIP code for a detailed lead level report.

Health-Based Contaminant Violations in Charleston

EPA records indicate that the following contaminants have exceeded Safe Drinking Water Act Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) in Charleston water systems over the past 5 years.

Contaminant 0800

Note: The presence of a past violation does not necessarily mean current water is unsafe. Utilities are required to take corrective action. Review your Consumer Confidence Report for the latest status.

Water Quality by ZIP Code — Charleston, WV

Click any ZIP code for the full water quality report

A
25305

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25317

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25324

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25325

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25326

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25327

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25328

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25331

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25332

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25334

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25335

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25336

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25337

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25338

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25339

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25350

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25358

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25360

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25361

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25364

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25375

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25389

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25392

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25396

Charleston, WV

Score: 98/1001 violation
A
25301

Charleston, WV

Score: 94/1001 violation
A
25303

Charleston, WV

Score: 94/1001 violation
A
25321

Charleston, WV

Score: 94/1001 violation
A
25322

Charleston, WV

Score: 94/1001 violation
A
25323

Charleston, WV

Score: 94/1001 violation
A
25329

Charleston, WV

Score: 94/1001 violation
A
25330

Charleston, WV

Score: 94/1001 violation
A
25333

Charleston, WV

Score: 94/1001 violation
A
25356

Charleston, WV

Score: 94/1001 violation
A
25362

Charleston, WV

Score: 94/1001 violation
A
25365

Charleston, WV

Score: 94/1001 violation
A
25304

Charleston, WV

Score: 89/1001 violation
A
25315

Charleston, WV

Score: 89/1001 violation
A
25357

Charleston, WV

Score: 89/1001 violation
B
25302

Charleston, WV

Score: 84/1001 violation
B
25306

Charleston, WV

Score: 84/1001 violation
B
25309

Charleston, WV

Score: 84/1001 violation
B
25311

Charleston, WV

Score: 84/1001 violation
B
25312

Charleston, WV

Score: 84/1001 violation
B
25313

Charleston, WV

Score: 84/1001 violation
B
25314

Charleston, WV

Score: 84/1001 violation
B
25320

Charleston, WV

Score: 84/1001 violation
B
25387

Charleston, WV

Score: 84/1001 violation

Frequently Asked Questions — Charleston Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in Charleston, WV?+
Yes — tap water in Charleston meets all federal EPA standards and earns a A grade. It is generally safe for healthy adults. As always, running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a filter adds extra protection for vulnerable populations.
What is the water quality score for Charleston?+
The average water quality score across 47 ZIP codes in Charleston, WV is 94/100. Scores are derived from EPA violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Individual ZIP codes may vary — search your specific ZIP above for a personalized report.
Does Charleston have lead in its tap water?+
10 out of 47 ZIP codes in Charleston are rated High or Very High for lead exposure risk. Older homes built before 1986 may have lead service lines or plumbing fixtures. Residents should run their tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified NSF/ANSI 53 lead filter.
How do I get the water quality report for Charleston?+
Each ZIP code in Charleston has a full water quality report on this site — click any ZIP code below. You can also get the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your local water utility. The CCR is required to be published every year by July 1 and contains actual contaminant measurements and violation history.
Where does Charleston's tap water come from?+
Tap water in Charleston, WV primarily comes from surface water. Surface water systems treat water from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs using filtration, sedimentation, and disinfection before it reaches your tap.

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