Water Quality in Montrose, WV: No Violations - Grade C
Grade C · Score 63/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-07-18
Montrose's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-07-18
When EPA compliance data is reviewed for Montrose, WV, the result holds consistent: zero violations documented across 4 tracked water systems, with every health-based limit and monitoring requirement met through the full dataset available in SDWIS.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Montrose
Montrose is covered by a single ZIP code, so one water-quality profile applies citywide. See the contaminant data below.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26283 | C | 63 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Montrose.
Water Quality Overview
Montrose, West Virginia receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 63 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 4 water systems serving Montrose. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants - some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Montrose'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
Lead testing data for Montrose is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 48% of homes built before 1986, Montrose 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
Montrose is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Montrose
Montrose is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,377 people across 1 ZIP code.
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 Montrose. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Montrose
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
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Montrose:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 2 |
| 2022 | 3 | 3 |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 2 in 2021 to 1 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Montrose. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-19 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-11-13 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-11-11 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-11-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-10-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-24 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-10-23 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-10-22 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-10 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-14 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-12-19.
Montrose vs. Nearby West Virginia Cities
How Montrose's water quality compares to similar cities in West Virginia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montrose | C | 0 | 4 | 1,377 |
| Porters Falls | D | 0 | 1 | 1,378 |
| Mallory | C | 0 | 1 | 1,372 |
| Varney | B | 21 | 3 | 1,382 |
Common Questions About Montrose Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Montrose, West Virginia:
Is Montrose water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Montrose's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Montrose tap water? Montrose's water receives a grade of C (63/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Montrose? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Montrose vs. West Virginia Average
Understanding how Montrose 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 Montrose.
ZIP Codes in Montrose
Montrose spans 1 ZIP code. 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.