Water Quality in Terra Alta, WV: 36 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 68/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Terra Alta'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
On record with EPA: Terra Alta, WV has 36 water violations.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Terra Alta
Water quality varies across Terra Alta's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26764 | C | 68 | 36 | 2 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Terra Alta.
Water Quality Overview
Terra Alta, West Virginia receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 68 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Terra Alta have accumulated 36 EPA violations, including 2 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 3,181 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Terra Alta'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 Terra Alta water systems is 0.0031 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 60% of homes built before 1986, Terra Alta 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
Terra Alta 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 Terra Alta
Terra Alta is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 3,181 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 Terra Alta. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Terra Alta
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 Terra Alta Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Terra Alta's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 8 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 7 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 6 | 1 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 3 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 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 Terra Alta:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Terra Alta. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-14 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-07-09 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-07 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-07-07 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-11 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-04-18 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-04-11 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-04-11 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-03-31 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-25 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-14.
Terra Alta vs. Nearby West Virginia Cities
How Terra Alta's water quality compares to similar cities in West Virginia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terra Alta | C | 36 | 2 | 3,181 |
| Elk Garden | D | 0 | 1 | 3,163 |
| New Creek | C | 3 | 1 | 3,163 |
| Branchland | B | 1 | 1 | 3,157 |
Common Questions About Terra Alta Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Terra Alta, West Virginia:
Is Terra Alta water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Terra Alta's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Terra Alta tap water? Terra Alta's water receives a grade of C (68/100). There are 2 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Terra Alta? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Terra Alta vs. West Virginia Average
Understanding how Terra Alta 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 Terra Alta.
ZIP Codes in Terra Alta
Terra Alta spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 26764. 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.