A84/100
Charleston Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 386,258 residents · West Virginia
What's In Charleston's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
EPA Violation History
3
Violations (last 5yr)
3
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Failed to complete routine monitoring
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Monitoring Violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
WVAW- GASSAWAY
Population Served
2,159
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
WV3300406
WVAWC - HUNTINGTON DIST
Population Served
98,647
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
WV3300608
WVAWC NEW RIVER REGIONAL WTR TRTMT PLT
Population Served
25,603
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
WV3301046
WVAW - WALNUT GROVE UTILITIES
Population Served
7,250
Water Source
Groundwater Under Influence of Surface Water
System ID
WV3301942
WVAWC-KANAWHA VALLEY DIST
Population Served
209,283
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
WV3302016
WVAWC BLUEFIELD DISTRICT
Population Served
12,174
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
WV3302835
CLINTON WATER ASSOC - ROUTE 119
Population Served
5,733
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
WV3303107
CLINTON WATER ASSOC - KINGWOOD PIKE
Population Served
3,100
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
WV3303128
WVAWC GLADE SPRINGS DISTRICT
Population Served
1,747
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
WV3304111
WVAWC BLUESTONE PLANT
Population Served
20,562
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
WV3304513
Frequently Asked Questions About Charleston Water
Is Charleston tap water safe to drink?
Charleston, West Virginia tap water receives a grade of A (84/100), which is considered excellent. Out of 76 contaminants tested, none exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 2 exceed health guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal standards, some residents may still choose to use a filter for additional peace of mind.
What contaminants are in Charleston's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in Charleston's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), 1,4-dioxane. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Charleston have any water quality violations?
Yes, Charleston has 561 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, TT. 7 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Charleston?
Charleston water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Charleston's tap water come from?
Charleston's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by WVAW- GASSAWAY and 9 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 386,258 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Charleston's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Charleston's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Charleston's water compare to other cities in West Virginia?
Charleston's water quality score of 84/100 earns a grade of A, which is considered excellent. This places Charleston among the better-performing water systems in West Virginia. Visit our West Virginia state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Charleston's water quality?
If you have concerns about Charleston's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (WVAW- GASSAWAY) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.