Water Quality in Paden City, WV: 108 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 45/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Paden City's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Federal EPA data for Paden City, WV shows 108 water compliance events in the record — the table below identifies system names and violation types.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Paden City
Water quality varies across Paden City's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26159 | C | 58 | 108 | 8 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Paden City.
Water Quality Overview
Paden City, West Virginia receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 45 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Paden City have accumulated 108 EPA violations, including 8 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 3,291 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Paden City'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 Paden City water systems is 0.0017 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 92% of homes built before 1986, Paden City 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
Paden City is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Paden City
Paden City is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 3,291 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 Paden City. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Paden City
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 Paden City Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Paden City's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 28 | 1 | No |
| HAA6Br | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 21 | 1 | Yes |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 9 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 8 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 6 | 1 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 5 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 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 Paden City:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 | 2 |
| 2024 | 5 | 5 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
Violations have decreased from 2 in 2023 to 1 in 2025, indicating improving compliance.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Paden City. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-13 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-09-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-06-12 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-06-12 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-03-11 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-03-11 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-02-13 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-02-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-13.
Paden City vs. Nearby West Virginia Cities
How Paden City's water quality compares to similar cities in West Virginia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paden City | D | 108 | 1 | 3,291 |
| Harpers Ferry | C | 41 | 3 | 3,270 |
| Procious | C | 13 | 3 | 3,334 |
| Cottageville | C | 2 | 1 | 3,230 |
Common Questions About Paden City Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Paden City, West Virginia:
Is Paden City water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Paden City's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Paden City tap water? Paden City's water receives a grade of D (45/100). There are 8 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Paden City? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Paden City vs. West Virginia Average
Understanding how Paden City 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 Paden City.
ZIP Codes in Paden City
Paden City spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 26159. 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.