How much lead is in Washington water?

The maximum detected level of lead in Washington water is 1 ppb. The EPA limit is 15 ppb (action level). See the ZIP code table above for area-specific levels.

Detected Lead

Lead in Washington, WV Drinking Water

Q: Is lead in Washington water safe?

Lead was detected in Washington water at 1 ppb, below the EPA limit of 15 ppb (action level). Check ZIP-level data on this page for your specific area.

Lead data for Washington, West Virginia · 10,377 residents · 1 ZIP code

Federal water monitoring extends to thousands of public water systems, and in Washington, West Virginia, that tracking has turned up Lead — the detection is logged in the EPA compliance record and reflects samples collected under routine Safe Drinking Water Act reporting requirements.

1 ppb

Max Level Detected

1 ppb

Average Level

15 ppb (action level)

EPA action level

High

Health Risk

Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block

Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14

Lead in Washington Tap Water

Lead has been detected in Washington, West Virginia drinking water at a maximum level of 1 ppb — below the EPA action level of 15 ppb (action level).

This analysis covers 10,377 residents across 1 ZIP code in Washington.

Washington's overall water quality grade is B (81/100).

Is Lead in Washington Water Safe?

Lead was detected in Washington water but currently falls within EPA limits. However, some health organizations argue the EPA action level may not be protective enough — the CDC states there is no safe level of lead for children.

If you are concerned, a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter can reduce lead levels further.

Lead Levels by ZIP Code

ZIP Code	Lead Level	EPA Limit	Status
26181	1 ppb	15 ppb (action level)	OK

Average lead level across Washington: 1 ppb

Health Effects of Lead

Brain development delays and reduced IQ in children
Behavioral problems and learning disabilities
High blood pressure and kidney damage in adults
Increased risk of premature birth in pregnant women

Health risk severity: High. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR/LCRI).

How Lead Gets Into Drinking Water

Corrosion of lead service lines (pipes connecting water main to home)
Lead solder in copper plumbing joints (pre-1986 homes)
Brass fixtures and faucets manufactured before 2014
Stagnant water that sits in lead-containing pipes overnight

What to Do About Lead in Washington Water

Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter at kitchen sink
Run cold water for 30 seconds before using for drinking or cooking
Use cold water only for cooking and preparing formula
Consider whole-home reverse osmosis if lead service line is present

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for lead removal.

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