Charleston, West Virginia: Is the Tap Water Safe to Drink?
2026 EPA water quality data for 18 community water systems serving 402,445+ residents. See violations, PFAS results, lead test results, and safety grades — free.
Is Charleston Tap Water Safe to Drink?
17 of 18 tested water systems in Charleston meet federal drinking water standards with no active violations. 1 system has 1 active health-based violation — check individual reports below for details. 1 system has been tested for PFAS (forever chemicals).
Charleston Water Quality Overview
Charleston, West Virginia is served by 18 community water systems providing water to approximately 402,445 residents. These systems draw from surface water (8), groundwater (4), surface water purchased (3), gwudi (2), groundwater purchased (1) sources. 1 active health-based violation across Charleston water systems require attention. Including monitoring and reporting violations, there are 708 total violations on record.
Find Your Water System
Search by ZIP code to find your exact water provider and see its full EPA report.
All 18 water systems in Charleston
Looking for water quality data across the whole state? See our full West Virginia tap water safety report covering West Virginia’s EPA-regulated water systems.
Charleston Drinking Water: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston, West Virginia tap water safe to drink?
17 of 18 tested water systems in Charleston meet federal drinking water standards with no active violations. 1 system has 1 active health-based violation — check individual reports below for details. 1 system has been tested for PFAS (forever chemicals).
How many water utilities serve Charleston, West Virginia?
18 community water systems serve Charleston, West Virginia, providing water to approximately 402,445 people. Different neighborhoods may be served by different utilities. Enter your ZIP code at the top to find your specific provider.
Does Charleston tap water have lead?
Lead in drinking water typically enters from old pipes and fixtures inside homes and buildings, not from the treatment plant. The EPA requires water systems to monitor for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule. Click any water system above to see its most recent 90th-percentile lead test results. Homes built before 1986 are most likely to have lead plumbing components.
What contaminants have been found in Charleston drinking water?
EPA violation records for Charleston water systems are listed on each utility's report page. Common regulated contaminants include disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, HAA5), coliform bacteria, nitrates, and lead. Click any utility above to see its full violation history going back 10 years.
How do I find out which water company serves my address in Charleston?
Enter your Charleston ZIP code in the search box at the top of this page. ClearWater will identify the specific water system serving your area and show you its EPA violation history, lead test results, and an overall safety grade. You can also check your water bill or your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR).