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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 26261 Water Quality Report

Richwood, WV · Nicholas County County

Safety Score
F

Water Safety Grade

Failing — Serious compliance issues

Health Violations

3

Total Violations

30

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

2

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Active Water Quality Issues Detected

EPA records show 24 unresolved violations. Contact Richwood Water Department for current status.

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 26261

Tap water in ZIP code 26261 (Richwood, WV) has received a failing F grade (score: 36/100) based on EPA compliance data. Richwood Water Department has a significant history of water quality violations. Residents are strongly encouraged to use a certified water filter and contact their local water authority for current advisories.

Water System

Richwood Water Department

EPA ID: WV3303401

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

2,480 residents

County

Nicholas County County, West Virginia

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Lead Levels in ZIP 26261

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 18.5 ppb — EXCEEDS EPA Action Level

The 90th percentile lead level in 26261 is 18.5 ppb, which EXCEEDS the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This is a serious concern. The water utility is legally required to notify residents, identify the source of contamination, and take corrective action. Do not give this water to infants, children, or pregnant women without first passing it through a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter. Contact Richwood Water Department immediately for current guidance, or call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791.

Lead exposure risk in 26261 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 63% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This typically reflects older housing stock built before 1986 (when lead pipes were banned), aging distribution infrastructure, or detected lead levels in water samples. Families should prioritize getting their tap water tested independently and installing a certified lead-reducing filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
18.50 ppb (0.0185 mg/L)
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

63%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Richwood Water Department has recorded 3 health-based violations in the past 5 years. Multiple health violations suggest recurring compliance challenges. Residents should request a copy of the annual Consumer Confidence Report to understand what contaminants were involved and what corrective actions were taken. 24 violations are currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
30
Health-Based Violations
3
Unresolved Violations
24
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Moderate

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Moderate. Richwood Water Department has had occasional lapses in compliance but generally meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 2 contaminants associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 26261: Stage 1 DBP Rule, Contaminant 0800. These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

Stage 1 DBP RuleContaminant 0800

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Richwood Water Department — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Moderate potential

Zone 2
Annual Flood Risk Cost

Estimated annual flood-related costs per property

$98
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

7.33%

EPA Radon Zone 2 — moderate radon potential. The EPA recommends testing your home regardless of zone designation.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 26261 Recommendations

  • 🚨 Install a certified NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 (reverse osmosis) filter immediately for drinking and cooking
  • 🚨 Do not give unfiltered water to children, pregnant women, or immunocompromised individuals
  • 🚨 Contact Richwood Water Department to request the current violation status and corrective action plan
  • 🚨 Report concerns to your state environmental agency or call the EPA hotline: 1-800-426-4791
  • 🚨 Consider having your home's tap water independently tested by a certified lab

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 26261 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 26261?+
Tap water in 26261 has a below-average water quality grade of F. While it is treated, there have been notable compliance issues. We strongly recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter for drinking and cooking, especially for vulnerable populations.
What is the lead level in 26261 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 26261 is 18.5 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This exceeds the EPA action level — use a certified lead-reducing water filter.
Who provides tap water to 26261?+
Tap water in ZIP code 26261 is provided by Richwood Water Department (EPA ID: WV3303401). This system serves approximately 2,480 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 26261?+
ZIP code 26261 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 26261 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 24 unresolved violations on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Richwood Water Department for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 26261?+
Your water utility — Richwood Water Department — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Richwood Water Department Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 26261?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 26261, with detected contaminants including Stage 1 DBP Rule and Contaminant 0800, a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 26261 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Given the detected lead level of 18.5 ppb in 26261, we recommend using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 water filter or certified bottled water for preparing infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 26261 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Richwood Water Department. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →