TapSafetyReport
F0/100

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

Serving 8,334 residents · West Virginia

What's In Welch's Tap Water?

2
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Copper (90th percentile)
1.42 mg/L1.30 mg/LOver Limit
Lead (90th percentile)
0.001 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

18

Violations (last 5yr)

4

Unresolved

3

Health-Related

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, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPRVerify 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: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Enforcement: 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: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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 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, 2024 – July 31, 2024Rule: 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: July 1, 2024 – July 31, 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: June 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: 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: June 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: November 14, 2022 – March 31, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: November 14, 2022 – March 31, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: November 14, 2022 – March 31, 2023Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: August 7, 2022 – October 14, 2022Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: August 7, 2022 – October 14, 2022Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: August 7, 2022 – October 14, 2022Rule: Consumer Confidence 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, 2022 – September 30, 2022Rule: Stage 1 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: July 1, 2022 – September 30, 2022Enforcement: 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

WELCH CITY OF
Population Served

2,907

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

WV3302421

MCDOWELL COUNTY PSD BARTLEY
Population Served

2,242

Water Source

Groundwater Under Influence of Surface Water

System ID

WV3302434

MCDOWELL COUNTY PSD COALWOOD
Population Served

1,537

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

WV3302439

MCDOWELL COUNTY PSD MAYBEURY
Population Served

1,648

Water Source

Groundwater

System ID

WV3302460

Frequently Asked Questions About Welch Water

Is Welch tap water safe to drink?

Welch, West Virginia tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 514 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Welch's water?

Of the 2 contaminants tested in Welch'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 Welch have any water quality violations?

Yes, Welch has 514 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, TT. 40 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Welch?

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

Welch's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by WELCH CITY OF and 3 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 8,334 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.

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

Welch'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 Welch's water quality?

If you have concerns about Welch'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 (WELCH 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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