Chester Water Department
EPA ID: WV3301504 · 3,220 people served · 1 ZIP code
Based on the latest federal compliance data, Chester Water Department has 6 violations that the EPA has not yet closed — those outstanding findings are part of the enforcement record for a utility that delivers water to approximately 3,220 people throughout its service territory.
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02
Service Area Map
Coverage area for Chester Water Department Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.
Service area boundary — Grade C
Service Area Demographics
The Chester Water Department serves a community with a median household income of $57,382 and an estimated 4,555 residents across its service area. Approximately 77% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.
Environmental Justice Note: 38% of the population in this service area is classified as disadvantaged under EPA's EJScreen criteria. Communities with higher disadvantaged populations often face disproportionate environmental and health burdens, including aging water infrastructure and limited resources for remediation.
🌊 Where Does Your Water Come From?
Chester Water Department's water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap.
About 1% of homes in Hancock County, West Virginia rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.
Wastewater Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 80th percentile nationally for proximity to wastewater discharge points. Surface water sources near wastewater outfalls may face additional treatment challenges.
Infrastructure Risk
Detected Contaminants
How Chester Water Department compares to EPA limits
What This Means For You
Monochloroacetic Acid at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.06 mg/L.
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.08 mg/L. Bladder & rectal cancer risk; reproductive concerns. Consider granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.
Contaminant 0700 at 3 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
Total Organic Carbon at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.
PFAS Detected in Service Area
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water serving this system's area. 4 detections recorded. 1 exceeds federal EPA limits (4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS). 1 exceeds state limits.
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) was detected in this water system. granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration can reduce exposure.
Find a certified water filter →Comparable Water Systems
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Estimated Remediation Costs
Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system
Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.
System Overview
Chester Water Department (EPA ID: WV3301504) is a community water system in West Virginia that serves approximately 3,220 people from surface water sources.
This system serves ZIP code 26034 in Chester.
Average Home Safety Score: C (64/100)
Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.
Violation History
Recent Violations
| Date | Contaminant | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 25, 2025 | Contaminant 0700 | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| January 14, 2025 | Contaminant 0700 | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| January 1, 2024 | Monochloroacetic Acid | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| December 16, 2023 | Lead and Copper Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| November 1, 2023 | Chlorine residual | Health-based | Resolved |
| September 1, 2023 | Contaminant 0700 | Monitoring | Unresolved |
Contaminants Detected
The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 0700 | Other Violation | 3 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 | No |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 | No |
| Monochloroacetic Acid | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 | No |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Failure | 1 | No |
| Chlorine residual | Disinfectant | 1 | Yes |
Health Risk Details
Chlorine (Residual Disinfectant) (EPA limit: 4 mg/L (MRDL — Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level))
Irritation & DBP formation at high levels; protective at normal treatment levels At-risk groups: people with asthma or chemical sensitivities, kidney dialysis patients (water must be dechlorinated).
Removal methods: granular activated carbon (GAC), KDF media filter, carbon block filter. Find the right filter →
Lead & Copper
EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:
| ZIP Code | Lead Level | Exceeds Limit | Sample Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26034 | 0.00096 mg/L | No | N/A |
Radon Risk in Service Area
Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Need help with your 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.
ZIP Codes Served
Coverage: Service area ZIP codes sourced from EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 (March 2026 release). These ZIPs reflect the actual deployment footprint recorded by WV or modeled from parcel and building-footprint data.
- 26034 — Chester
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Chester Water Department (WV3301504) on EPA.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chester Water Department water safe to drink?
Chester Water Department has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.
How many people does Chester Water Department serve?
Chester Water Department serves approximately 3,220 people across 1 ZIP code in West Virginia.
Where does Chester Water Department get its water?
The primary water source is surface water.
Lead Service Line Inventory
Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:
Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.
Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026
ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What You Can Do
Test your water
Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →
Check your specific ZIP code
Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →
Contact your utility
Chester Water Department (EPA ID: WV3301504) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.