Pocahontas County, West Virginia
11 ZIP codes · Avg score 51/100 · Grade D · Updated 2026-06-04
In recent EPA cycles, Pocahontas County's 11 ZIP codes show a persistent below-average water quality pattern — documented violations span multiple areas, have appeared consistently across recent reporting periods, and the compliance shortfalls are spread across the county rather than isolated to a single geographic pocket or utility district, suggesting a broader structural issue rather than a localized anomaly.
How Pocahontas County Compares
How Pocahontas County Compares
Pocahontas County scores 13 points below the West Virginia state average (64/100) and 17 points below the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Pocahontas 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: 18.5 (asthma 12.2%, diabetes 19.2%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,133, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.389% avg pipe failure probability, 45% of ZIPs at high risk
55.3% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
Violation History (2022–2025)
→ Stable trendEPA violation counts by year across Pocahontas County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.
Peak year: 2022 with 12 violations. Past 5 years: 32 total (32 health-based).
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: $1,133
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
6,855 housing units in Pocahontas 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 Pocahontas County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Pocahontas 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 Pocahontas 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 Pocahontas County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MARLINTON TOWN OF | 1,930 | 81 |
| 2 | Cass Scenic Railroad | 555 | 65 |
| 3 | POCAHONTAS CO PSD - CHEAT MOUNTAIN WATER | 1,867 | 28 |
| 4 | Pocahontas County Public Service District | 504 | 28 |
| 5 | Denmar Correctional Center | 297 | 11 |
6 total water systems serve Pocahontas County.
All ZIP Codes in Pocahontas County
11 ZIP codes tracked in Pocahontas County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26264 | Durbin | 63 | C | 28 (4 health) | $133K |
| 2 | 24927 | Cass | 60 | C | 65 (4 health) | $60K |
| 3 | 24915 | Arbovale | 53 | D | 0 | $55K |
| 4 | 24920 | Bartow | 53 | D | 0 | $77K |
| 5 | 24924 | Buckeye | 53 | D | 0 | $157K |
| 6 | 24934 | Dunmore | 53 | D | 0 | $241K |
| 7 | 26291 | Slatyfork | 53 | D | 0 | — |
| 8 | 24946 | Hillsboro | 51 | D | 11 | $174K |
| 9 | 24954 | Marlinton | 41 | D | 16 | $132K |
| 10 | 24944 | Green Bank | 40 | D | 0 | $161K |
| 11 | 26209 | Snowshoe | 40 | D | 0 | $225K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Pocahontas County
Federal and certification sources drive the ordering: EPA monitoring data, NSF certifications, FEMA flood maps, and CDC lead guidance — guides surface only when county data warrants them.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 55.3% of homes built before 1978
- Best Under-Sink Reverse Osmosis Systems — Multi-contaminant removal at the kitchen tap
- Best Radon Test Kits — EPA Radon Zone 1 (highest risk) dominant in county
- 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 Pocahontas County, West Virginia
Overview
Pocahontas County in West Virginia covers 11 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of D (51/100).
4 of 11 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 8 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.
What You Can Do
Pocahontas County has a grade of D. Here are steps to protect your household.
Test your tap water
Order a certified lab test kit ($20-$50) to check for lead, bacteria, and other contaminants specific to your ZIP code.
Consider a certified water filter
NSF-certified filters can remove most common contaminants. Match the filter to your test results for best protection. Try our filter matcher
Contact your water utility
Request the latest Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your water provider. It details exactly what was found in your water supply.
Check for lead in your home
55.3% of homes in this county were built before 1978. Older plumbing and solder can leach lead into drinking water, especially in the morning.