Water Quality in Richwood, WV: 30 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 36/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Richwood's water has serious compliance issues. Independent testing and filtration are strongly recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Local water systems serving Richwood, WV carry 30 EPA violations on record in the federal compliance database — documented events spanning categories from maximum contaminant level exceedances to monitoring requirements tracked by the national Safe Drinking Water program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Richwood
Water quality varies across Richwood's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26261 | F | 36 | 30 | 3 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Richwood.
Water Quality Overview
Richwood, West Virginia receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 36 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Richwood have accumulated 30 EPA violations, including 3 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 2,480 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Richwood's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Richwood water systems is 0.0185 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 1 ZIP code exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 81% of homes built before 1986, Richwood 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
Richwood is in EPA Radon Zone 2 (Moderate risk). Testing is recommended, especially for homes with basements or ground-level living spaces.
Water Systems Serving Richwood
Richwood is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 2,480 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 Richwood. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Richwood
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 Richwood Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Richwood's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 7 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 5 | 1 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 3 | 1 | No |
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Fecal Coliform | 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 Richwood:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2023 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 Richwood. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-14 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-13 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-06-11 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-03-13 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-03-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-02-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 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 2025-08-14.
Richwood vs. Nearby West Virginia Cities
How Richwood's water quality compares to similar cities in West Virginia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richwood | F | 30 | 1 | 2,480 |
| Glen Dale | C | 2 | 1 | 2,495 |
| Alderson | D | 2 | 1 | 2,458 |
| Grassy Meadows | D | 0 | 1 | 2,458 |
Common Questions About Richwood Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Richwood, West Virginia:
Is Richwood water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Richwood's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Richwood tap water? Richwood's water receives a grade of F (36/100). There are 3 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Richwood? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Richwood vs. West Virginia Average
Understanding how Richwood 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 Richwood.
ZIP Codes in Richwood
Richwood spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 26261. 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.