Water Quality in Alum Creek, WV: 66 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 53/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Alum Creek's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The public EPA compliance record for Alum Creek, WV holds 66 documented water violations — sourced from the federal Safe Drinking Water Information System, which tracks every reportable event for registered public water systems in the state.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Alum Creek
Water quality varies across Alum Creek's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25003 | D | 53 | 66 | 9 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Alum Creek.
Water Quality Overview
Alum Creek, West Virginia receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 53 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Alum Creek have accumulated 66 EPA violations, including 9 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 6,442 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Alum Creek's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Alum Creek water systems is 0.0008 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 66% of homes built before 1986, Alum Creek has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Alum Creek is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Alum Creek
Alum Creek is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 6,442 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Alum Creek. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Alum Creek
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Alum Creek Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Alum Creek's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 16 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 10 | 1 | Yes |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 8 | 1 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 6 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 6 | 1 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 4 | 1 | No |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 3 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Alum Creek:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | 4 | 4 |
| 2025 | 2 | 2 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Alum Creek. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-25 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-04 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-13 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-13 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-25.
Alum Creek vs. Nearby West Virginia Cities
How Alum Creek's water quality compares to similar cities in West Virginia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alum Creek | D | 66 | 3 | 6,442 |
| Moorefield | D | 16 | 5 | 6,395 |
| Naugatuck | C | 233 | 5 | 6,541 |
| Thornton | C | 0 | 1 | 6,333 |
Common Questions About Alum Creek Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Alum Creek, West Virginia:
Is Alum Creek water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Alum Creek's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Alum Creek tap water? Alum Creek's water receives a grade of D (53/100). There are 9 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Alum Creek? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Alum Creek vs. West Virginia Average
Understanding how Alum Creek compares to the broader West Virginia average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Alum Creek.
ZIP Codes in Alum Creek
Alum Creek spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 25003. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.