D
54

US Water Score: D

Gauley Bridge, WV 25085

Fayette County · Population served: 3,944 · Data updated July 2026

Service-area evidence: EPA service-area records associate the listed system with this ZIP. Boundaries may still overlap or change.

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
GAULEY RIVER PSD
Surface water · Pop. 3,944
PWSID: WV3301042
🏔
KANAWHA FALLS PSD
Surface water · Pop. 2,547
PWSID: WV3301037

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
0.93
15 ppb 1 ppb Passed

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

118Total (5yr)
10Health-Based
68Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Gauley Bridge

Tap water quality in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia (25085) receives an overall grade of D (Elevated record-based concern) with a score of 54 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 25 points below the West Virginia state average of 79. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 3,944 people, using surface water sources. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 118 violations, including 10 health-based violations.

Your Score 54/100 D
vs State 25 pts below West Virginia avg (79)
vs National 21 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade D Means

A score of 54/100 flags significant system-level concerns in the US Water Score model for Gauley Bridge, WV. These may include violations, contaminant levels near or above regulatory limits, or PFAS detections. Review the detailed records, your utility's Consumer Confidence Report, and qualified local guidance.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

⚠️

Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia receives a grade of D (Elevated record-based concern) with a score of 54/100. This indicates significant water quality concerns based on violation history, contaminant levels, or enforcement actions. We recommend reviewing the specific contaminants detected below and considering a certified water filter.

ZIP code 25085 is served by 2 water systems using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 3,944 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.

Lead levels in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia are 0.93 ppb, which is at or below the health guideline of 1 ppb. This is a positive result, though periodic testing is still recommended.

No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving Gauley Bridge, West Virginia during the most recent EPA monitoring period (UCMR5). However, not all water systems have been tested for all PFAS compounds, and new contamination can occur over time.

Water systems serving Gauley Bridge, West Virginia have received 118 violations in the last 5 years, including 10 health-based violations. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Water in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia shows no major contaminant concerns based on available data. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce chlorine. For extra peace of mind, an NSF-certified pitcher filter or faucet-mount filter provides an affordable layer of protection.

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