C56/100
Sophia Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 16,072 residents · West Virginia
What's In Sophia's Tap Water?
31
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
15
Violations (last 5yr)
12
Unresolved
11
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Failed to conduct Level 2 Assessment
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: March 23, 2025 – April 2, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: October 1, 2024 – December 23, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2024 – August 19, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2023 – June 30, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2023 – March 31, 2023Rule: 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
RALEIGH COUNTY PSD COAL CITY
Population Served
3,415
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
WV3304123
RALEIGH COUNTY MEM AIRPORT
Population Served
4,587
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
WV3304138
RALEIGH COUNTY PSD ARNETT
Population Served
6,663
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
WV3304140
RALEIGH COUNTY PSD CLEAR CREEK
Population Served
1,407
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
WV3304151
Frequently Asked Questions About Sophia Water
Is Sophia tap water safe to drink?
Sophia, West Virginia tap water receives a grade of C (56/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 63 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Sophia's water?
Of the 32 contaminants tested in Sophia's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Sophia have any water quality violations?
Yes, Sophia has 63 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, MCL, Other. 23 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Sophia?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Sophia 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 Sophia's tap water come from?
Sophia's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by RALEIGH COUNTY PSD COAL CITY and 3 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 16,072 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Sophia'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. Sophia'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 Sophia's water compare to other cities in West Virginia?
Sophia's water quality score of 56/100 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 Sophia's water quality?
If you have concerns about Sophia'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 (RALEIGH COUNTY PSD COAL CITY) 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.