West Virgina American Water Company - Huntington District Water Company

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Water

Is there lead in my water?
While we regularly test lead levels in your tap water, lead concentrations in your home may be higher due to plumbing materials. Elevated lead levels can cause health issues, particularly for pregnant women and young children. We add corrosion inhibitors to water leaving our treatment facilities to minimize lead leaching from pipes. If concerned, run your faucet for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before use; use cold water for cooking and baby formula; and consider low-lead faucets when replacing fixtures. West Virginia American Water maintains full compliance with lead regulations. More information is available from the National Lead Information Center (800-424-5323) or Safe Water Hotline (800-426-4791).

How hard is my water?
Hardness measures calcium and magnesium concentrations naturally present in water. Our hardness levels range from 85 to 140 ppm or approximately 5 to 8 grains per gallon.

What about sodium content?
The sodium level is approximately 13 ppm (or mg/L).

What is the pH level?
Water in our distribution system averages 7.1 pH units. A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral.

Is fluoride added to my water?
West Virginia American Water adds fluoride to approximately 0.69 ppm to help prevent dental cavities.

About Our Water Supply
The Bluefield Valley Waterworks purchases all water from the Bluefield Area of West Virginia American Water. This surface water comes from three area reservoirs fed by local streams. Each reservoir is controlled by a dam and can be used individually or combined. Learn more about local waterways at https://watersgeo.epa.gov/mywaterway.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources completed a source water assessment in April 2003 to meet Safe Drinking Water Act requirements. The study examined the drainage area and rated contamination susceptibility as medium since the reservoirs are surface water bodies exposed above ground. For a copy of this assessment, contact DHHR at (304) 356-4298 or visit: https://www.wvdhhr.org/oehs/eed/swap.

Protecting Our Water Supply
Safeguarding water at its source is vital for providing quality water. This requires community effort from utilities, businesses, residents, government agencies, and organizations. Everyone living, working, and enjoying our area has a stake in clean water supplies.

How You Can Help:

• Properly dispose of pharmaceuticals, household chemicals, oils, and paints at designated collection sites
• Clean up after pets and limit fertilizer and pesticide use
• Maintain your septic system with regular inspections (every 3-5 years)
• Participate in local watershed protection activities
• Report spills, illegal dumping, or suspicious activity to DEP at 1-800-642-3074

Our Commitment:
Our vision is Clean Water for Life. We prioritize reliable, quality water for our customers, with source protection as a crucial part of this mission. We've developed a Source Water Protection Plan under state requirements, including updated assessments and action plans for potential threats. Our strategies include community outreach, contaminant monitoring, emergency preparedness, and policy development. The plan is available at www.westvirginiaamwater.com under Water Quality & Stewardship > Source Water Protection.

In 2018, we hosted a collection event to safely dispose of hazardous household materials, helping reduce water pollution. We collected over 20,000 pounds of hazardous materials from 284 vehicles. This successful event was supported by a DHHR grant and partnerships with the City of Charleston and Habitat for Humanity ReStore. For information on local hazardous waste disposal locations, visit cleanstreamswv.com.

1. Where does West Virgina American Water Company - Huntington District water come from?
   West Virgina American Water Company - Huntington District supplies surface water to Huntington, West Virginia.
2. Does West Virgina American Water Company - Huntington District test its tap water?
   Yes. Like every public water system, West Virgina American Water Company - Huntington District must test its water under the federal Safe Drinking Water Act and publish an annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report). Ask the utility for the latest report or look for it on its website.
3. How do I contact West Virgina American Water Company - Huntington District?
   Call 800-685-8660 or visit 4002 Ohio River Rd, Huntington, WV 25702, or use the contact options on the utility’s website.
4. Does West Virgina American Water Company - Huntington District water contain lead?
   Water usually leaves the treatment plant without lead. Lead can enter tap water from older service lines, solder and brass fixtures inside homes, especially when water sits in the pipes. Run the tap before drinking if water has been sitting, and ask the utility about lead testing and service line records.
5. Is West Virgina American Water Company - Huntington District water hard?
   Hardness depends on the source and changes over time. The annual water quality report lists hardness, or you can test it at home. If it is above about 7 grains per gallon, a water softener sized to your measured hardness will stop scale and spotting.