Water Quality in Berkeley Springs, WV: 15 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 46/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Berkeley Springs'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 Berkeley Springs, WV holds 15 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 Berkeley Springs
Water quality varies across Berkeley Springs's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25411 | D | 46 | 15 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Berkeley Springs, West Virginia receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 46 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Berkeley Springs have accumulated 15 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 4,065 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Berkeley Springs'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 Berkeley Springs water systems is 0.0035 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 57% of homes built before 1986, Berkeley Springs 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
Berkeley Springs is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Berkeley Springs
Berkeley Springs is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 4,065 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 Berkeley Springs. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Berkeley Springs
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 Berkeley Springs Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Berkeley Springs's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 4 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Berkeley Springs. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-11 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-09-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-05 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-03 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-13 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-02 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-11.
Berkeley Springs vs. Nearby West Virginia Cities
How Berkeley Springs's water quality compares to similar cities in West Virginia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Berkeley Springs | D | 15 | 5 | 4,065 |
| Pennsboro | B | 18 | 3 | 4,067 |
| Ashford | D | 0 | 1 | 4,039 |
| Foster | C | 0 | 1 | 4,039 |
Common Questions About Berkeley Springs Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia:
Is Berkeley Springs water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Berkeley Springs's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Berkeley Springs tap water? Berkeley Springs's water receives a grade of D (46/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Berkeley Springs? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Berkeley Springs vs. West Virginia Average
Understanding how Berkeley Springs 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 Berkeley Springs.
ZIP Codes in Berkeley Springs
Berkeley Springs spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 25411. 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.