Water Quality in Welch, WV: 77 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 55/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Welch'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
Local water systems serving Welch, WV carry 77 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 Welch
Water quality varies across Welch's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24801 | C | 55 | 77 | 13 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Welch.
Water Quality Overview
Welch, West Virginia receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 55 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Welch have accumulated 77 EPA violations, including 13 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 9,026 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Welch'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 Welch water systems is 0.0012 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 86% of homes built before 1986, Welch 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.
Water Systems Serving Welch
Welch is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 9,026 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 Welch. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Welch
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 Welch Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Welch's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 17 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 8 | 1 | Yes |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 7 | 1 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.08 mg/L | 7 | 1 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 7 | 1 | No |
| Copper | Inorganic | 1.3 mg/L | 6 | 1 | No |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 3 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Barium | Inorganic | 2 mg/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| Lead | Inorganic | 0.015 mg/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | 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 Welch:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 |
| 2025 | 2 | 2 |
Violations have increased from 1 in 2021 to 2 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Welch. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-09-11 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-09-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-19 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-13 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-11 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-07-11 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-07-07 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-17 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-09-11.
Welch vs. Nearby West Virginia Cities
How Welch's water quality compares to similar cities in West Virginia:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welch | C | 77 | 5 | 9,026 |
| Culloden | C | 0 | 1 | 8,987 |
| Hamlin | D | 0 | 1 | 8,987 |
| Hurricane | B | 1 | 1 | 8,987 |
Common Questions About Welch Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Welch, West Virginia:
Is Welch water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Welch's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Welch tap water? Welch's water receives a grade of C (55/100). There are 13 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Welch? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Welch vs. West Virginia Average
Understanding how Welch 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 Welch.
ZIP Codes in Welch
Welch spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 24801. 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.