Nicholas County, West Virginia
19 ZIP codes · Avg score 61/100 · Grade C · Updated 2026-06-03
Although much of Nicholas County meets baseline standards, some of its 19 ZIP codes show violations that merit closer attention.
How Nicholas County Compares
How Nicholas County Compares
Nicholas County scores 3 points below the West Virginia state average (64/100) and 7 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Nicholas County, West Virginia
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 17.3 (asthma 12.2%, diabetes 17%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $887, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.478% avg pipe failure probability, 78% of ZIPs at high risk
56.8% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
Violation History (2021–2025)
↑ Worsening trendEPA violation counts by year across Nicholas County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.
Peak year: 2024 with 18 violations. Past 5 years: 47 total (47 health-based). Health-based violations are rising versus the prior 2-year window — worth closer monitoring.
Source: EPA SDWIS historical violations. Data may lag 6–12 months for the most recent year.
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $887
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
12,689 housing units in Nicholas County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Nicholas County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Nicholas County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Nicholas County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 5 systems in Nicholas County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Craigsville Public Service District | 4,997 | 182 |
| 2 | Camden on Gauley - Craigsville | 502 | 177 |
| 3 | Camden on Gauley - Cowen | 79 | 177 |
| 4 | NETTIE LEIVASY PSD | 3,630 | 75 |
| 5 | Fenwick Mountain Public Service District | 554 | 70 |
13 total water systems serve Nicholas County.
All ZIP Codes in Nicholas County
19 ZIP codes tracked in Nicholas County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26679 | Mount Nebo | 82 | B | 11 (1 health) | $175K |
| 2 | 26681 | Nettie | 81 | B | 12 (2 health) | $57K |
| 3 | 26610 | Birch River | 74 | B | 3 | $96K |
| 4 | 26202 | Fenwick | 71 | B | 28 (3 health) | — |
| 5 | 26651 | Summersville | 68 | C | 5 | $157K |
| 6 | 25211 | Widen | 63 | C | 0 | $15K |
| 7 | 26205 | Craigsville | 63 | C | 177 (6 health) | $97K |
| 8 | 26662 | Canvas | 63 | C | 0 | $160K |
| 9 | 26667 | Drennen | 63 | C | 0 | $55K |
| 10 | 26671 | Gilboa | 63 | C | 0 | $102K |
| 11 | 26676 | Leivasy | 63 | C | 0 | $112K |
| 12 | 26680 | Nallen | 55 | C | 0 | $98K |
| 13 | 25854 | Hico | 53 | D | 0 | $177K |
| 14 | 26660 | Calvin | 53 | D | 0 | $224K |
| 15 | 26675 | Keslers Cross Lanes | 53 | D | 0 | — |
| 16 | 26678 | Mount Lookout | 53 | D | 0 | $114K |
| 17 | 26684 | Pool | 53 | D | 0 | — |
| 18 | 26691 | Tioga | 53 | D | 0 | $156K |
| 19 | 26261 | Richwood | 36 | F | 30 (3 health) | $64K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Nicholas County
Strictly editorial — no paid placements influence which guides appear; the selection draws on NSF certifications and EPA detection records for water systems serving this county.
- Best Water Filters for Lead — Lead above EPA action level in 1 ZIP code
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 56.8% of homes built before 1978
- Best Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Systems — Multi-contaminant removal at the kitchen tap
- Best Sump Pumps — Flood is the top compound risk factor
- Best Mold Test Kits — Flood-driven moisture and mold risk
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Nicholas County, West Virginia
Overview
Nicholas County in West Virginia covers 19 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of C (61/100).
7 of 19 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 15 health-based violations have been documented.
← Back to West Virginia water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.