McDowell County School District (WV): 28 Health Violations
38 ZIP codes · 22 water systems · 70,341 people served · Updated 2026-06-26
Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-06-26
Why School Water Quality Matters
Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.
Water Quality Overview
The McDowell County School District in West Virginia spans 38 ZIP codes served by 22 community water systems, providing water to approximately 70,341 people.
The average Home Safety Score across the district is B (72/100) — with the lowest-scoring area at 40/100 .
Water quality in this district ranks better than 57% of ZIP codes nationally.
Why This Matters for Children
Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:
- Lead exposure — Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
- PFAS ("forever chemicals") — Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
- Nitrate — Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
- Disinfection byproducts — Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.
Lead Levels in the District
| Metric | Value | EPA Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Average lead level (90th percentile) | 0.0017 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L |
| Highest lead level | 0.0039 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L |
| ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level | 0 of 38 | — |
PFAS Contamination
Detected compounds: PFBS.
Highest measured level: 0.0043 µg/L.
PFAS can accumulate in the body over time. Children's higher water intake relative to body weight makes them particularly susceptible. Reverse osmosis filters (NSF/ANSI 58) are the most effective at removing PFAS.
Learn more about PFAS in drinking water →
EPA Violation History
Contaminants of Concern
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | Health-Based | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 48 | No | 9 |
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 22 | Yes | 7 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 20 | No | 6 |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 16 | Yes | 3 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 15 | No | 6 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 14 | No | 5 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 11 | Yes | 5 |
| Copper | Inorganic | 9 | No | 2 |
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High risk)
3 of 38 ZIP codes are in the highest radon risk zone. Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer in the U.S. — homes and school buildings in Zone 1 should be tested.
Water Quality by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Violations | Health | Lead Level | Exceeds? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24801 | Welch | C (55) | 77 | 13 | 0.00117 mg/L | No |
| 24836 | Gary | A (86) | 28 | 1 | 0.0038 mg/L | No |
| 24892 | War | B (81) | 23 | 1 | 0.0039 mg/L | No |
| 24815 | Berwind | A (86) | 11 | 1 | 0.000405 mg/L | No |
| 24817 | Bradshaw | A (86) | 10 | 1 | 0.00234 mg/L | No |
| 24861 | Maybeury | A (91) | 9 | 1 | 0.0012 mg/L | No |
| 24878 | Premier | B (84) | 9 | 5 | 0.00142 mg/L | No |
| 24828 | Davy | B (83) | 8 | 4 | 0.00106 mg/L | No |
| 24853 | Kimball | B (81) | 5 | 1 | 0.00048 mg/L | No |
| 24604 | Bishop | D (53) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24622 | Jewell Ridge | D (40) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24747 | Rock | C (65) | 0 | 0 | 0.001 mg/L | No |
| 24808 | Anawalt | C (65) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24811 | Avondale | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24813 | Bartley | C (60) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24816 | Big Sandy | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24826 | Cucumber | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24830 | Elbert | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24831 | Elkhorn | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24843 | Hensley | C (66) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24844 | Iaeger | C (60) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24846 | Isaban | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24848 | Jenkinjones | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24850 | Jolo | C (65) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24855 | Kyle | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24862 | Mohawk | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24866 | Newhall | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24868 | Northfork | C (60) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24871 | Pageton | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24872 | Panther | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24873 | Paynesville | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24879 | Raysal | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24881 | Roderfield | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24884 | Squire | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24887 | Switchback | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24888 | Thorpe | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24894 | Warriormine | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 24895 | Wilcoe | B (73) | 0 | 0 | — | — |
What Parents Can Do
- Request lead testing at your child's school — The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
- Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
- Test your home's water — Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
- Address PFAS — If PFAS are detected in your area, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon block filter rated NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 can reduce levels significantly.
- Pack water from home — If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
- Stay informed — Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.
Need help with school water quality?
Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400
Find the Right Water FilterFree tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the water safe in McDowell County School District schools?
Water systems serving McDowell County School District have recorded 28 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While utilities are required to meet federal standards, individual school buildings may have older plumbing that can introduce contaminants. Parents should request lead testing results from their school.
Does McDowell County School District test for lead in school water?
Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.
What level of lead is safe for children?
There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).
Are there PFAS in McDowell County School District water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in 1 of 38 ZIP codes served by this district. PFAS are "forever chemicals" that do not break down and can accumulate in the body. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS compounds. Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- School districts: NCES EDGE Geographic Relationship Files
- PFAS: EPA ECHO
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.