Is Attica, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Chlorate was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
57.5/100
Attica, OH — Water Quality Report
Attica's drinking water received a grade of C- (57.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,148 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 91 violations on record, including 32 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Attica's water
Attica ranks #469 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 1.45 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Attica may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Attica, OH water safe to drink?
Attica's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (57.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,148 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Attica
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Attica's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (57.5/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Attica's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Attica's water system has 91 total violations on record, including 32 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Seneca 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.
Where does Attica's water come from?
Attica's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,148 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Attica residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Attica'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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 Attica
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Attica, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 8 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MTD CONSUMER GROUP INC - WILLARD FACILITY WILLARD, OH44890 | Manganese | 8 | 9.0 mi |
LSC COMMUNICATIONS DBA LAKESIDE BOOK CO WILLARD, OH44890 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
GUARDIAN MANUFACTURING CO WILLARD, OH44890 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
STAR OF THE WEST MILLING CO WILLARD, OH44890 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Seneca 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 Attica'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. | 5.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Attica compares by contaminant
Explore where Attica ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Attica's water comes from
Attica's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,148 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Attica
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATTICA VILLAGE | OH7400011 | 1,148 | SW |
How Attica compares
Full Ohio rankings →Attica's score of 57.5/100 is on par with 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 Attica, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Attica's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Seneca
Frequently asked questions
Is Attica, OH tap water safe to drink?
Attica's water quality earned a grade of C- (57.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #469 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Attica's water?
Lead was measured at 5.6 ppb (90th percentile). 91 violations are on record.
How is Attica'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 Attica?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Attica's water come from?
Attica's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,148 residents.
What health violations has Attica's water system had?
Attica has 32 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
How does Attica's water compare to other cities?
Attica ranks #469 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 8% of state cities) and #12367 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Attica's small water system affect quality?
Attica's system serves approximately 1,148 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 91 violations on record.