West Virginia American Water Company - Kanawha Valley District

Despite regular testing for lead in municipal water, your home's lead and copper levels might be elevated due to household plumbing components. Elevated lead poses significant health risks, particularly for pregnant women and young children. To minimize exposure, we add corrosion inhibitors to water leaving our treatment facilities.

If concerned about potential lead exposure:

• Run your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water
• Use cold water for cooking, drinking, and baby formula preparation
• Install low-lead faucets when possible
• Use lead-free solder during pipe replacement or repairs

West Virginia American Water meets all regulatory requirements regarding lead in water. Additional information is available from the National Lead Information Center at (800) 424-5323, the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791, or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead.

Water Quality Specifications:

• Water Hardness: Ranges from 85 to 140 ppm (5-8 grains per gallon)
• Sodium Content: Approximately 13 ppm (mg/L)
• pH Level: 7.1 in the distribution system (7.0 is considered neutral)
• Fluoride: Added to approximately 0.69 ppm to aid in dental cavity prevention

The Bluefield Valley Waterworks purchases all water from the Bluefield District of West Virginia American Water. This surface water comes from three local reservoirs formed by dams that collect water from regional springs. These reservoirs can be used independently or in combination to serve the system.

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

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