The water in Clarksburg, West Virginia, is not safe to drink and has not been safe to drink for years.

The Environmental Protection Agency determined that “significantly high levels of lead” have created conditions to exist in the System [Clarksburg Water Board] that may present an “imminent and substantial endangerment to human health at these sites and likely at other similar sites served by the Clarksburg Water Board”.

They caution residents in Clarksburg, West Virginia by warning that they should get tested for lead poisoning right away. The WV Department of Health and Human Services (WVDHHR) says they are “very concerned about the public health situation in Clarksburg” as the Clarksburg Water Board was fined $5,000 daily for being in noncompliance with an Emergency Administrative Order that took action against the organization for their failure to protect the public.

Use bottled water for making baby formula, the Environmental Protection Agency warns for Clarksburg, WV residents.

Boiling water does not remove lead from water and tap water that is warm or hot can have higher levels of lead.

The Harrison-Clarksburg Health Department is doing free lead blood testing every Monday 9:00 – 11:00 am at 330 W. Main Street, Clarksburg, WV.

Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are encouraged. Call (304) 623-9308.

Harrison County WIC provides free lead testing to their participants & caregivers. WIC clients can make an appointment to be tested by calling the WIC office in Harrison County at (304) 848-9680.

The cost of lead testing is also covered under Medicaid.

Exposure to lead is associated with a range of serious health effects, it can seriously harm a child’s health and cause well-documented adverse effects such as:

  • Damage to the brain and nervous system
  • Slowed growth and development
  • Learning and behavior problems
  • Hearing and speech problems
  • Anemia
  • Diminished skeletal growth
  • Delayed pubertal development
  • Dental caries (also known as tooth decay or dental cavities)
  • Impaired neurologic development

This can cause:

  • Lower IQ
  • Decreased ability to pay attention
  • Underperformance in school

There is also evidence that childhood exposure to lead can cause long-term harm.

Unfortunately, lead is also stored in bones. It can take decades for the lead stored in the bones to decrease.

Lead poisoning symptoms in adults

Although children are primarily at risk, lead poisoning is also dangerous for adults. Signs and symptoms in adults might include:

  • High blood pressure
  • Joint and muscle pain
  • Difficulties with memory or concentration
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Mood disorders
  • Reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm
  • Miscarriage, stillbirth, or premature birth in pregnant women

Mayo Clinic

In response to the Clarksburg Water Board’s lead poison, the WV Legislature passed a temporary new Blood Screening Protocol for children through August 1, 2027.

Loomis Law Office PLLC is providing the following media articles and mentions, to have the information in one location for ease of use.

This list will be updated as news continues to break regarding the Clarksburg Water Board’s failure to protect the public, check back often.