C42/100
Chester Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 10,262 residents · West Virginia
What's In Chester's Tap Water?
1
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | < 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
2
Violations (last 5yr)
2
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: January 14, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Unresolved
Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Revised 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
CHESTER WATER DEPT.
Population Served
3,220
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
WV3301504
TOMLINSON PSD-NEWELL
Population Served
4,963
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WV3301516
TOMLINSON PSD
Population Served
2,079
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
WV3301519
Frequently Asked Questions About Chester Water
Is Chester tap water safe to drink?
Chester, West Virginia tap water receives a grade of C (42/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 164 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Chester's water?
Of the 27 contaminants tested in Chester's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Chester have any water quality violations?
Yes, Chester has 164 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, TT. 7 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Chester?
Chester 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. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Chester's tap water come from?
Chester's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by CHESTER WATER DEPT. and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 10,262 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Chester'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. Chester'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 Chester's water compare to other cities in West Virginia?
Chester's water quality score of 42/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our West Virginia state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Chester's water quality?
If you have concerns about Chester'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 (CHESTER WATER DEPT.) 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.