B62/100
Palestine Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 34,251 residents · West Virginia
What's In Palestine's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOA | 0.012 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
chlorate | 341.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
5
Violations (last 5yr)
2
Unresolved
2
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: October 1, 2024 – September 24, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: October 29, 2023 – August 4, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: October 29, 2023 – August 4, 2023Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: 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: September 1, 2021 – November 30, 2021Rule: 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: September 1, 2021 – November 30, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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
PARKERSBURG UTILITY BOARD
Population Served
34,251
Water Source
Groundwater Under Influence of Surface Water
System ID
WV3305407
Frequently Asked Questions About Palestine Water
Is Palestine tap water safe to drink?
Palestine, West Virginia tap water receives a grade of B (62/100), which is considered good. Out of 66 contaminants tested, 1 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) and 3 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 Palestine's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Palestine's water supply, the most notable include PFOA, Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Palestine have any water quality violations?
Yes, Palestine has 16 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, TT, MR. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Palestine?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Palestine is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Palestine's tap water come from?
Palestine's drinking water is sourced from groundwater under influence of surface water and supplied by PARKERSBURG UTILITY BOARD. The system serves approximately 34,251 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Palestine'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. Palestine'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 Palestine's water compare to other cities in West Virginia?
Palestine's water quality score of 62/100 earns a grade of B, which is considered good. This is an above-average score compared to many cities nationwide. Visit our West Virginia state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Palestine's water quality?
If you have concerns about Palestine'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 (PARKERSBURG UTILITY BOARD) 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.