C48/100
Elkins Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 10,886 residents · West Virginia
What's In Elkins's Tap Water?
34
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)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to complete routine monitoring
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: April 1, 2022 – April 30, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: October 1, 2021 – October 10, 2021Enforcement: 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
ELKINS CITY OF
Population Served
9,350
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
WV3304203
LEADSVILLE PSD
Population Served
1,536
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
WV3304215
Frequently Asked Questions About Elkins Water
Is Elkins tap water safe to drink?
Elkins, West Virginia tap water receives a grade of C (48/100), which is considered fair. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 57 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Elkins's water?
Of the 34 contaminants tested in Elkins'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 Elkins have any water quality violations?
Yes, Elkins has 57 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, TT. 10 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Elkins?
Elkins 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 Elkins's tap water come from?
Elkins's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by ELKINS CITY OF and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 10,886 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Elkins'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. Elkins'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 Elkins's water compare to other cities in West Virginia?
Elkins's water quality score of 48/100 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 Elkins's water quality?
If you have concerns about Elkins'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 (ELKINS CITY OF) 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.