Is Akron, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Akron, OH — Water Quality Report
Akron's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 13 water systems serve approximately 2,245 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 659 violations on record, including 36 health-based violations. 82 remain unresolved.
What to know about Akron's water
Akron ranks #489 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Akron relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Akron may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 32 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Akron, OH water safe to drink?
Akron's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 13 water systems serve approximately 2,245 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Akron
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Akron's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Nitrate, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Akron's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Akron's water system has 659 total violations on record, including 36 health-based violations. 82 remain unresolved. 32 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Summit County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Tuscarawas River Above Barberton, Wolf Creek Near Barberton, Cuyahoga River At Old Portage, Wolf Creek Outlet O&E Canal, Long Lake Feeder O&E Canal.
Where does Akron's water come from?
Akron's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 13 water systems serving approximately 2,245 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tuscarawas River Above Barberton (river), Wolf Creek Near Barberton (river), Cuyahoga River At Old Portage (river), Wolf Creek Outlet O&E Canal (stream), Long Lake Feeder O&E Canal (stream).
What Akron residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Akron's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Akron
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Akron, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 317 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STRUKTOL CO OF AMERICA LLC STOW, OH44224 | Zinc compounds | 255 | 7.0 mi |
BABCOCK & WILCOX BARBERTON OPERATIONS BARBERTON, OH44203 | Manganese | 32 | 6.8 mi |
THE GOODYEAR TIRE & RUBBER CO AKRON, OH44316 | Zinc compounds | 30 | 2.9 mi |
ALCOA BARBERTON BARBERTON, OH44203 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
ICP BUILDING SOLUTIONS GROUP- NORTON NORTON, OH44203 | — | — | 5.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Akron
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- COPLEY SQUARE PLAZA5.1 mi
- INDUSTRIAL EXCESS LANDFILL9.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Summit County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Akron's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 70.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Akron compares by contaminant
Explore where Akron ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Akron's water comes from
Akron's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 2,245 people through 13 water systems.
Water bodies near Akron
Akron is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Akron
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAIRLANE WATER CO. | OH6701312 | 354 | GW |
| FIRELANDS MANOR MHP PWS | OH3946912 | 235 | SWP |
| FORTY CORNERS MOBILE VILLAGE | OH7602012 | 225 | GW |
| PEBBLE CREEK CONVALESCENT CENTER | OH7707412 | 225 | GW |
| OAKWOOD CROSSING MHP | OH7003812 | 200 | GW |
| FRANKS MOBILE HOME PARK | OH7701212 | 164 | GW |
| WILLOW REST TRAILER PARK | OH7705312 | 155 | GW |
| ST. LUKE LUTHERAN COMMUNITY - PORTAGE LA | OH7708812 | 143 | GW |
| AVON MOBILE HOME PARK | OH7700312 | 138 | GW |
| INTERVAL BROTHERHOOD HOME | OH7708012 | 136 | GW |
| WESTERN RESERVE VILLAGE | OH7704012 | 120 | GW |
| MAYFIELD MOBILE HOME PARK | OH7702212 | 100 | GW |
| TOP O HILL MHP PWS | OH7603912 | 50 | GW |
How Akron compares
Full Ohio rankings →Akron's score of 46/100 is below the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Akron, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Akron's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Portage
Frequently asked questions
Is Akron, OH tap water safe to drink?
Akron's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #489 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Akron's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 659 violations are on record.
How is Akron's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Akron?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Akron's water come from?
Akron's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 13 water systems serving approximately 2,245 residents.
What health violations has Akron's water system had?
Akron has 36 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 82 violations remain unresolved.
Is Akron's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Akron uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 659 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Akron's water compare to other cities?
Akron ranks #489 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 4% of state cities) and #14012 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.