Water Quality in Lester, WV: 21 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 40/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Lester's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Reviewing EPA compliance files for Lester, WV surfaces 21 documented water violations — each categorized by violation type and linked to the utility that drew the federal citation.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Lester
Water quality varies across Lester's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25865 | D | 40 | 21 | 5 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Lester.
Water Quality Overview
Lester, West Virginia receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 40 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Lester have accumulated 21 EPA violations, including 5 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 665 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Lester'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 Lester water systems is 0.0141 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 47% of homes built before 1986, Lester 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
Lester is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Lester
Lester is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 665 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 Lester. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Lester
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 Lester Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Lester's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 7 | 1 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 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 Lester:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 3 | 3 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Lester. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-23 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-23 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-02-13 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-02-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-01-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-10-23 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2024-10-23 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-10-12 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-08-16 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-23.
Lester vs. Nearby West Virginia Cities
How Lester's water quality compares to similar cities in West Virginia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lester | D | 21 | 1 | 665 |
| Fairdale | C | 0 | 1 | 665 |
| Glen White | C | 0 | 1 | 665 |
| Surveyor | D | 0 | 1 | 665 |
Common Questions About Lester Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Lester, West Virginia:
Is Lester water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Lester's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Lester tap water? Lester's water receives a grade of D (40/100). There are 5 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Lester? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Lester vs. West Virginia Average
Understanding how Lester 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 Lester.
ZIP Codes in Lester
Lester spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 25865. 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.