Water Quality in Shepherdstown, WV: 2 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 61/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Shepherdstown'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
Shepherdstown, WV has 2 violations in the EPA compliance history — breakdown below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Shepherdstown
Water quality varies across Shepherdstown's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25443 | C | 61 | 2 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Shepherdstown, 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 1 water system serving Shepherdstown have accumulated 2 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 4,300 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Shepherdstown'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 Shepherdstown water systems is 0.0017 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 55% of homes built before 1986, Shepherdstown 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
Shepherdstown 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 Shepherdstown
Shepherdstown is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 4,300 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 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Shepherdstown. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Shepherdstown
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 Shepherdstown Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Shepherdstown's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 6 enforcement actions against water systems serving Shepherdstown. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2022-06-01 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-12-02 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2021-12-02 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-11-16 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2021-11-16 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-04-28 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2022-06-01.
Shepherdstown vs. Nearby West Virginia Cities
How Shepherdstown's water quality compares to similar cities in West Virginia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shepherdstown | C | 2 | 1 | 4,300 |
| Shenandoah Junction | D | 0 | 1 | 4,300 |
| Old Fields | D | 9 | 5 | 4,312 |
| Hacker Valley | C | 0 | 1 | 4,344 |
Common Questions About Shepherdstown Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Shepherdstown, West Virginia:
Is Shepherdstown water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Shepherdstown's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Shepherdstown tap water? Shepherdstown's water receives a grade of C (61/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Shepherdstown? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Shepherdstown vs. West Virginia Average
Understanding how Shepherdstown 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 Shepherdstown.
ZIP Codes in Shepherdstown
Shepherdstown spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 25443. 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.