West Virgina American Water Company - Huntington District

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. How often is my water tested?
   Municipal water is tested daily for basic parameters and regularly for comprehensive analysis according to EPA schedules.
2. What causes water discoloration?
   Temporary discoloration can result from main breaks, fire hydrant use, or maintenance work that disturbs sediment in pipes.
3. Is bottled water better than tap water?
   Not necessarily. Municipal water is strictly regulated, while bottled water faces less rigorous testing requirements.
4. Should I filter my tap water?
   While Huntington's water meets safety standards, home filtration can improve taste and provide additional contaminant reduction for those with specific health concerns.
5. Who should I contact about water quality concerns?
   Contact West Virginia American Water Company's customer service at 800-685-8660 for immediate assistance with water quality issues.