Water Quality in New Martinsville, WV: 38 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 61/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
New Martinsville'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
Drinking water compliance data for New Martinsville, WV reflects 38 EPA violations — details in the grid below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in New Martinsville
Water quality varies across New Martinsville's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26155 | D | 48 | 38 | 4 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving New Martinsville.
Water Quality Overview
New Martinsville, West Virginia receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 61 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving New Martinsville have accumulated 38 EPA violations, including 4 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 7,164 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. New Martinsville'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 New Martinsville water systems is 0.0011 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 79% of homes built before 1986, New Martinsville 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
New Martinsville is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving New Martinsville
New Martinsville is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 7,164 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 New Martinsville. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in New Martinsville
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 New Martinsville Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across New Martinsville's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 10 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 6 | 1 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 3 | 1 | No |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 3 | 1 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| HAA6Br | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Chromium | Inorganic | 0.1 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| E. coli | 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 New Martinsville:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 2 in 2021 to 1 in 2024, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving New Martinsville. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-13 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-29 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-02 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-11 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-03-11 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-02-13 | State Filed Judgment |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-13.
New Martinsville vs. Nearby West Virginia Cities
How New Martinsville's water quality compares to similar cities in West Virginia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Martinsville | C | 38 | 2 | 7,164 |
| White Sulphur Springs | C | 78 | 2 | 7,125 |
| Princeton | C | 8 | 2 | 7,044 |
| Ravenswood | C | 23 | 2 | 7,553 |
Common Questions About New Martinsville Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in New Martinsville, West Virginia:
Is New Martinsville water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. New Martinsville's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink New Martinsville tap water? New Martinsville's water receives a grade of C (61/100). There are 4 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for New Martinsville? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
New Martinsville vs. West Virginia Average
Understanding how New Martinsville 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 New Martinsville.
ZIP Codes in New Martinsville
New Martinsville spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 26155. 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.