F0/100

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

Serving 2,480 residents · West Virginia

What's In Richwood'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)	0.018 mg/L	0.015 mg/L	0 mg/L	Over Limit

EPA Violation History

Violations (last 5yr)

Unresolved

Health-Related

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: September 12, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2025Enforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Consumer confidence report — content deficiency

When: July 1, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify 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: May 15, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Other non-health-based violation

When: March 17, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 28, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: January 12, 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 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: November 1, 2024 – November 30, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

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

When: November 1, 2024 – November 30, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Unresolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

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

TIER 3Unresolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2024Enforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 16, 2024Rule: Ground Water 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, 2024Enforcement: 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, 2024Enforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

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: November 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment 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, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Unresolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: July 1, 2023Enforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: May 13, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: May 13, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Lead and Copper Rule

When: February 7, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Lead and Copper Rule

When: February 7, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: November 16, 2022 – February 2, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: November 16, 2022 – February 2, 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, 2022 – March 31, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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

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, 2022 – March 31, 2022Rule: Stage 2 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 – September 24, 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: July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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

RICHWOOD WATER DEPT

Population Served

2,480

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

WV3303401

Frequently Asked Questions About Richwood Water

Is Richwood tap water safe to drink?

Richwood, West Virginia tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 104 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Richwood's water?

Of the 1 contaminants tested in Richwood's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Richwood have any water quality violations?

Yes, Richwood has 104 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, TT, MR. 9 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Richwood?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Richwood 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 Richwood's tap water come from?

Richwood's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by RICHWOOD WATER DEPT. The system serves approximately 2,480 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

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

Richwood'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 Richwood's water quality?

If you have concerns about Richwood'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 (RICHWOOD 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.

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