F0/100

Cowen Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 3,098 residents · West Virginia

What's In Cowen's Tap Water?

Water Utility

Contaminants Tested

Exceed EPA Limits

Above EPA Goals

1 contaminant above EPA health goals

Contaminant	Detected	Limit (MCL)	Goal (MCLG)	Status
Lead (90th percentile)	0.002 mg/L	0.015 mg/L	0 mg/L	Above Goal

EPA Violation History

Violations (last 5yr)

Unresolved

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: October 1, 2024 – January 23, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 1 — URGENTResolved

Violation related to Nitrate

When: March 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 16, 2023 – September 27, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 16, 2023 – September 27, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 16, 2023 – September 27, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 16, 2023 – September 27, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 15, 2023 – September 27, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 15, 2023 – September 27, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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: January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: October 14, 2022 – November 30, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 2Unresolved

Failed treatment technique requirements

When: July 1, 2022 – July 31, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Revised Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: October 1, 2021 – September 18, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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: September 1, 2021 – November 30, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

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: September 1, 2021 – November 30, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: August 15, 2021 – August 27, 2021Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: August 15, 2021 – August 27, 2021Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: August 15, 2021 – August 27, 2021Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: August 15, 2021 – August 27, 2021Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2021 – September 18, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

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

COWEN PSD

Population Served

3,098

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

WV3305103

Frequently Asked Questions About Cowen Water

Is Cowen tap water safe to drink?

Cowen, West Virginia tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 167 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Cowen's water?

Of the 31 contaminants tested in Cowen'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 Cowen have any water quality violations?

Yes, Cowen has 167 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, TT, MR. 4 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Cowen?

Cowen 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 Cowen's tap water come from?

Cowen's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by COWEN PSD. The system serves approximately 3,098 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Cowen'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. Cowen'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 Cowen's water compare to other cities in West Virginia?

Cowen's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our West Virginia state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Cowen's water quality?

If you have concerns about Cowen'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 (COWEN PSD) 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.

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