Water Quality in Fort Gay, WV: 14 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 58/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Fort Gay's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
On record with EPA: Fort Gay, WV has 14 water violations.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Fort Gay
Water quality varies across Fort Gay's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25514 | C | 58 | 14 | 5 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Fort Gay.
Water Quality Overview
Fort Gay, West Virginia receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 58 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Fort Gay have accumulated 14 EPA violations, including 5 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,685 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Fort Gay's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Fort Gay water systems is 0.0020 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 47% of homes built before 1986, Fort Gay 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
Fort Gay is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Fort Gay
Fort Gay is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,685 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 Fort Gay. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Fort Gay
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 Fort Gay Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Fort Gay's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 6 | 1 | Yes |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 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 Fort Gay:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2022 to 2 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Fort Gay. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-02 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-09-02 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-07-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-03-08 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-12-20 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-12-15 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-11-16 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-11-16 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-11-15 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-02.
Fort Gay vs. Nearby West Virginia Cities
How Fort Gay's water quality compares to similar cities in West Virginia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Gay | C | 14 | 1 | 1,685 |
| Prichard | C | 0 | 1 | 1,685 |
| Mason | C | 22 | 1 | 1,679 |
| West Columbia | C | 0 | 1 | 1,679 |
Common Questions About Fort Gay Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Fort Gay, West Virginia:
Is Fort Gay water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Fort Gay's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Fort Gay tap water? Fort Gay's water receives a grade of C (58/100). There are 5 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Fort Gay? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Fort Gay vs. West Virginia Average
Understanding how Fort Gay 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 Fort Gay.
ZIP Codes in Fort Gay
Fort Gay spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 25514. 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.