Tap Water Results

Is Parkersburg, WV tap water safe?

Data: U.S. EPA · How we read the data · How we check it

Summary

Parkersburg Utility Board, the largest system here, had PFAS above the 2024 federal limits (PFOA) in EPA's 2023–2025 testing.

Is it an emergency? No: PFAS limits are about years of exposure, not a glass of water, and nothing in EPA's data calls for you to stop drinking the water today. If your utility issues a boil-water or do-not-drink notice, follow it.

3 public water systems serve parts of Parkersburg. The largest, Parkersburg Utility Board, serves 34,251 people, and one system here had PFAS above a federal limit. Your water bill names your system.

Largest system

Parkersburg Utility Board

34,251 people · Groundwater under influence of surface water · EPA ID WV3305407

PFASHighest averageLimitStatus
PFOA
Above limit
29.1 ppt4 pptAbove limit
PFOS
Not detected
–4 pptNot detected
PFHxS
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
PFNA
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected
HFPO-DA (GenX)
Not detected
–10 pptNot detected

ppt = parts per trillion. "Highest average" is the highest average at any of the system's entry points, the way EPA compares results with the limits.

For context: the PFOA average is higher than at 97% of the West Virginia systems EPA tested.

Lead: 0.44 ppb at the 90th percentile (Nov 2026, and 9 in 10 homes sampled were at or below it) Below action level
Health-based violations since 2016: 2

Full Parkersburg Utility Board results

Across West Virginia, 10 of 99 water systems EPA tested had PFAS above a 2024 federal limit, and 2 systems were above the lead action level in results from the last five years. West Virginia results.

Parkersburg homes and lead pipes

85%
of homes built before 1980 (West Virginia 56%, US 50%)
35%
built before 1950 (West Virginia 22%)
35%
of households rent (West Virginia 25%)

Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so homes from before then are the ones to check. Renting? Ask your landlord what the service line is made of, because it's their pipe to replace. How to check your own line.

Housing: Census American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates for Parkersburg city (tables B25034, B25003). Estimates for small places have a margin of error.

Other water systems serving Parkersburg

  • Claywood Park Public Service District
    8,141 people · Surface water · West Virginia · lists this city
    PFOA detected
  • Central Boaz Public Service District
    1,628 people · Purchased groundwater · West Virginia · lists this city
    Not in EPA's PFAS sample

How nearby cities compare

CityMain water systemPFASLead (90th pct.)
Charleston 63 mi
West Virginia American Water – Kanawha Valley District
West Virginia American Water – Kanawha Valley DistrictNone above limits0 ppb
Wheeling 72 mi
Wheeling Water System
Wheeling Water SystemNone above limits0 ppb
Huntington 76 mi
West Virginia American Water – Huntington District
West Virginia American Water – Huntington DistrictNone above limits1 ppb
Morgantown 89 mi
Morgantown Utility Board
Morgantown Utility BoardNone above limits0.38 ppb
Parkersburg ZIP codes (1)
  • 26101

Questions

Is Parkersburg tap water safe to drink?

Parkersburg Utility Board had 2 health-based violations since 2016, and EPA testing found PFAS above the 2024 federal limits, which it must meet by 2029. Utility data can't show lead from your own pipes: if your home was built before 1986, test your tap. Your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report is the official summary.

Who supplies water in Parkersburg, WV?

3 public water systems serve parts of Parkersburg. The largest is Parkersburg Utility Board (34,251 people). Your water bill names your system. The EPA ID is also on your utility's Consumer Confidence Report.

Does Parkersburg tap water have PFAS?

Yes. EPA's 2023–2025 testing found entry-point averages above the 2024 federal limits for PFOA at Parkersburg Utility Board. Systems have until 2029 to meet them.

Do Parkersburg homes have lead pipes?

Census estimates put 85% of Parkersburg homes as built before 1980 (West Virginia: 56%). Lead service lines and lead solder were allowed until 1986, so older homes are more likely to have them. Parkersburg Utility Board's service line inventory says what your line is made of. The only way to know for your home is to check the line where it enters the house and test your tap.

Source: U.S. EPA drinking water records and PFAS testing (UCMR 5). How we read the data.