F0/100

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

Serving 1,633 residents · West Virginia

What's In Gary'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)	0.004 mg/L	0.015 mg/L	0 mg/L	Above Goal

EPA Violation History

Violations (last 5yr)

Unresolved

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: September 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 14, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

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: February 1, 2025 – February 28, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: February 1, 2025 – February 28, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 30, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: November 14, 2024 – December 18, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: October 13, 2024 – December 18, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: August 10, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: February 1, 2024 – February 29, 2024Rule: Total Coliform 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, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

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: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 30, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: September 1, 2023 – September 30, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 1, 2023 – August 31, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence 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, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: November 16, 2022 – December 18, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: June 15, 2022 – December 18, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: June 15, 2022 – March 21, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring / Reporting Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: December 30, 2021 – October 20, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: December 3, 2021 – December 18, 2024Rule: 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: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Failed to issue ongoing public notification

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2021 – June 12, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Unresolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2021Enforcement: 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

GARY CITY OF

Population Served

1,633

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

WV3302420

Frequently Asked Questions About Gary Water

Is Gary tap water safe to drink?

Gary, West Virginia tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 145 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Gary's water?

Of the 1 contaminants tested in Gary'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 Gary have any water quality violations?

Yes, Gary has 145 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, MON. 27 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Gary?

Gary 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 Gary's tap water come from?

Gary's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by GARY CITY OF. The system serves approximately 1,633 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

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

Gary'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 Gary's water quality?

If you have concerns about Gary'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 (GARY 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.

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