Charleston Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Good news for Charleston residents — your tap water meets all federal safety standards. With 140 ppm hardness (8.2 gpg), expect some mineral deposits over time. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. There have been 6 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Safe to Drink
Meets all EPA standards
8.2 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Hard water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Charleston Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Charleston tap water meets all EPA health standards and is safe to drink.
Lead — Lead (0 ppb) is well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 207K people in the Charleston area.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
With hard water (140 ppm), a water softener can reduce scale buildup in pipes, appliances, and water heaters.
How Hard is Charleston Water?
140 ppm
8.2 grains per gallon
Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances. A water softener may be beneficial.
Estimated from 1 neighboring county. Actual values may vary.
Impact on Your Home
Shower
May dry out skin & hair
Kitchen
Spots on dishes
Laundry
Clothes may feel stiff
Appliances
Scale buildup
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Do I Need a Water Softener?
At 140 ppm, Charleston has hard water. You may notice white spots on dishes, dry skin after showering, and mineral buildup on fixtures. A water softener can help reduce these effects, though it's not strictly necessary for health — hard water is safe to drink.
Based on 1 water samples from Kanawha County
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Charleston tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Charleston
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
0 ppb
Charleston lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2024-12-31
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
6
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
6
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Charleston's Water?
Utility Name
WVAWC-KANAWHA VALLEY DIST
EPA System ID (PWSID)
WV3302016
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
207K
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Charleston tap water quality
Nearby Cities in West Virginia
Huntington
Hard water
Morgantown
Moderate water
Martinsburg
Very Hard water
Beckley
Hard water
Parkersburg
Hard water
Fairmont
Hard water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: EPA Water Quality Portal (environmental samples, not verified tap water)