Richwood, WV · PWSID WV3303401
Richwood Water Dept lead service lines
740 lines still unidentified
Richwood Water Dept reported no confirmed lead service lines, but 740 of 948 lines (78%) are still listed as "lead status unknown." Until a line is identified, treat it as possibly lead.
0% of Richwood Water Dept's service lines are lead or galvanized requiring replacement. That's lower than the West Virginia average (1.2%) and lower than the national average (3.1%).
- Lead 0%
- Galvanized (replace) 0%
- Unknown 78%
- Non-lead 22%
Total service lines reported: 948. Reported all required service line types. Population served: 2,480; 1,046 connections.
Lead test results
Richwood Water Dept's most recent 90th-percentile lead result (Jan 2022–Dec 2024) was 18.5 ppb, above the 15 ppb federal action level. This means 90% of homes sampled were at or below that level; individual homes, especially those with lead lines, can be higher.
Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported to EPA, in parts per billion. Dashed lines: 15 ppb action level and the 10 ppb level from November 1, 2027.
Progress since 2025 Q1
Reported lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines went from 0 in 2025 Q1 to 0 in 2026 Q3: no change. Lines of unknown material went from 740 to 740, no change.
Quarterly counts reported to EPA. A drop usually means lines were replaced or confirmed non-lead; a rise usually means more lines were identified. Replacement progress rankings.
Lead rule violations
EPA's data lists 6 Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015, 2 health-based, 3 still open for Richwood Water Dept. Health-based violations are treatment failures, such as corrosion control or public education; the rest are missed monitoring or reporting.
| Began | Violation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | Missed follow-up or routine lead and copper tap sampling | Open |
| Jul 2025 | Corrosion control study or recommendation not done health-based | Returned to compliance |
| Jul 2025 | Missed follow-up or routine lead and copper tap sampling | Open |
| Mar 2025 | Public education requirement not met health-based | Returned to compliance |
| Dec 2024 | Lead consumer notice not delivered or reported | Open |
| Oct 2021 | Missed follow-up or routine lead and copper tap sampling | Returned to compliance |
Source: EPA SDWIS violation records for the Lead and Copper Rule.
Where the water comes from
Richwood Water Dept's main water source is surface water (rivers, lakes or reservoirs). It sells water to 1 other water system: Fenwick Mountain PSD.
Source: EPA SDWIS water system and facility records.
Check your own address
These counts cover the whole system. To see whether your line is lead, use the utility's address-level inventory. Utilities had to prepare one by October 16, 2024 and make it publicly accessible; systems serving more than 50,000 people must post it online.
No map yet? Do the 2-minute scratch and magnet test on the pipe where water enters your home.
Protect your drinking water now
If your line is lead, galvanized or unknown, filter water for drinking, cooking and baby formula. Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead. Run cold water for a few minutes after it sits for hours, and never use hot tap water for cooking.
How to pick a lead-certified filter · How to test your water for lead
Getting the line replaced
EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require most systems to replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037. Ask Richwood Water Dept whether it replaces the private side for free or with a cost share before you hire anyone. If you want it done sooner, or your utility doesn't cover your side, a licensed plumber can quote it. What replacement costs.
County pages: Lead pipes in Nicholas County
Other water systems nearby
| System | Lead + galv. | Unknown |
|---|---|---|
| Wilderness PSD | 0 | 0 |
| Summersville Municipal Water | 0 | 0 |
| Craigsville PSD | 0 | 0 |
| Nettie Leivasy PSD | 0 | 0 |
| Birch River PSD | 0 | 0 |
Check another water system
Questions
Does Richwood Water Dept have lead pipes?
It hasn't confirmed any, but 740 of its 948 service lines are still of unknown material, so lead has not been ruled out.
How do I check if my home's service line is lead?
Look up your address on Richwood Water Dept's official service line inventory, which utilities must make publicly available. You can also scratch the pipe where it enters your home: lead is soft, dull gray, scratches to shiny silver and does not attract a magnet.
When will Richwood Water Dept replace lead service lines?
Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, most systems must replace lead and galvanized-requiring-replacement lines by December 31, 2037, starting from November 1, 2027. The rule is being challenged in court, so dates could change. Many utilities run free or cost-share programs now.
Has Richwood Water Dept had lead violations?
EPA's data shows 6 Lead and Copper Rule violations since 2015, 2 health-based, 3 still open for Richwood Water Dept.
Which water filters remove lead?
Use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead reduction, or NSF/ANSI 58 for reverse osmosis. Check the certification on NSF's listings, not just the box.
Embed or cite this data
Local news sites, blogs and community groups can embed this card. It updates when EPA releases new data.
Citation: Lead Pipe Map, "Richwood Water Dept lead service lines," https://leadpipemap.com/wv/richwood-water-dept/. Source: EPA SDWIS service line inventory, 2026 Q3. Download the full dataset on the data page.