Wetzel County, West Virginia
10 ZIP codes · Avg score 51/100 · Grade D · Updated 2026-06-04
Wetzel County ranks below average for water safety, with health-based violations recorded across multiple of its 10 ZIP codes.
How Wetzel County Compares
How Wetzel County Compares
Wetzel 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: Wetzel 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: 17.2 (asthma 12.1%, diabetes 16.7%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $1,562, driven primarily by flood
Infrastructure: 0.546% avg pipe failure probability, 78% of ZIPs at high risk
78.8% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
Violation History (2021–2025)
↑ Worsening trendEPA violation counts by year across Wetzel County water systems. Health-based shown in red, total in blue.
Peak year: 2025 with 17 violations. Past 5 years: 29 total (29 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: $1,562
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
6,833 housing units in Wetzel 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 Wetzel County
Water safety remediation is a moderate expense relative to home values. Most homeowners can address issues through staged improvements over time.
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 Wetzel 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 Wetzel County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WETZEL CO PSD 1 | 1,378 | 83 |
| 2 | PINE GROVE WATER | 620 | 43 |
| 3 | Grandview - Doolin Public Service District | 1,942 | 39 |
| 4 | City of Paden City, | 3,291 | 38 |
| 5 | Tyler County Public Service District | 3,195 | 38 |
11 total water systems serve Wetzel County.
All ZIP Codes in Wetzel County
10 ZIP codes tracked in Wetzel County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 26055 | Proctor | 64 | C | 1 | — |
| 2 | 26167 | Reader | 63 | C | 2 | $105K |
| 3 | 26575 | Hundred | 61 | C | 2 | $90K |
| 4 | 26437 | Smithfield | 53 | D | 0 | $94K |
| 5 | 26581 | Littleton | 53 | D | 0 | — |
| 6 | 26155 | New Martinsville | 48 | D | 38 (4 health) | $123K |
| 7 | 26377 | Jacksonburg | 45 | D | 0 | $116K |
| 8 | 26419 | Pine Grove | 44 | D | 43 (4 health) | $95K |
| 9 | 26162 | Porters Falls | 40 | D | 0 | — |
| 10 | 26561 | Big Run | 40 | D | 0 | — |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Wetzel County
Four sources — EPA, NSF, FEMA, CDC — drive the match.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 78.8% 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 Wetzel County, West Virginia
Overview
Wetzel County in West Virginia covers 10 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of D (51/100).
5 of 10 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
Wetzel 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
78.8% of homes in this county were built before 1978. Older plumbing and solder can leach lead into drinking water, especially in the morning.