Is West Virginia Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Water quality data for 6 cities across West Virginia. Find your city below.
Water quality in West Virginia varies significantly from city to city. Across 6 cities we track, hardness ranges from 70 PPM in Beckley to 150 PPM in Huntington, with a statewide average of 116 PPM. 3 of 6 cities have hard water above 120 PPM where a water softener provides measurable benefits.
1 West Virginia cities have forever chemicals (PFAS) above the EPA's 2024 limit of 4 parts per trillion: Parkersburg (32.5 ppt). A reverse osmosis system or NSF P473-certified filter can reduce PFAS to safe levels.
Complete West Virginia Guide
Statewide water quality overview, costs, and treatment recommendations.
Well Water in West Virginia
Testing, treatment, and common issues for private wells.
Hardest Water Rankings
West Virginia cities ranked by water hardness level.
City Comparisons
Huntington vs Beckley
Side-by-side water quality comparison.
Huntington vs Wheeling
Side-by-side water quality comparison.
Wheeling vs Parkersburg
Side-by-side water quality comparison.
West Virginia Cities by Water Hardness
| City | Hardness (PPM) | Level | PFAS (ppt) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntington | 150 | Hard | 0 | Ohio River |
| Wheeling | 135 | Hard | 6.7 | Ohio River |
| Parkersburg | 120 | Hard | 32.5 | Ohio River |
| Charleston | 113 | Moderately Hard | 0 | Elk River, Kanawha River |
| Morgantown | 105 | Moderately Hard | 0 | Monongahela River |
| Beckley | 70 | Moderately Hard | 0 | Piney Creek & local reservoirs |