Fairmont, WV: 2 Health Violations — 74/100 (2026)
2 ZIP codes · 19 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Tap water in Fairmont, WV scores well — low violation counts, above-average safety grade.
How Fairmont Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Fairmont Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 36 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0023 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,200 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.57 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Fairmont
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Fairmont, WV's residential water connections out of 19 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 2 ZIP codes in Fairmont, West Virginia (population ~42,116), covering 19 community water systems serving approximately 63,881 people region-wide.
2 of 2 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Fairmont: B (74/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Fairmont water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0023 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 2 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 33 | 2 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 6 | 2 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 2 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 3 | 2 |
| Contaminant 0800 | Other | 3 | 2 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26554 | C | 18 | 1 | City of Fairmont |
| 26555 | B | 18 | 1 | City of Fairmont |
All ZIP Codes in Fairmont
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
Updated daily.
Health Outcomes in Fairmont
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Top Contaminants in Fairmont Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Fairmont Homeowners
The equity-to-remediation ratio in Fairmont is moderate — worth planning for but within reach for most property owners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Fairmont. The estimated $1,150–$3,550 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 36% above the West Virginia average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Fairmont
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Lead risk in Fairmont appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Fairmont
Flood risk in Fairmont occupies the middle ground: 180 NFIP claims and 100% of local ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. At that level, the risk pathways connecting flooding to water quality — treatment system stress, well infiltration, distribution backflow — become relevant considerations during significant flood events, even if day-to-day water quality is unaffected by flood history.
Fairmont has a moderate flood history with 180 FEMA claims averaging $11,208 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,200</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Fairmont, WV