Is Belle Valley, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
77.8/100
waterverge.com Belle Valley, OH — Water Quality Report
Belle Valley's drinking water received a grade of B (77.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,183 residents using purchased surface water.
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 43 violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Belle Valley's water
Belle Valley ranks #318 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it below average 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.
As a small community water system, Belle Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Belle Valley, OH water safe to drink?
Belle Valley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,183 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Belle Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Belle Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.8/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4424). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4360). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Belle Valley'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
Belle Valley's water system has 43 total violations on record, including 20 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Noble County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1968. 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 Senecaville Lake Near Senecaville, Seneca Fork Bl Senecaville Dam Near Senecaville, Wills Creek At Derwent.
Where does Belle Valley's water come from?
Belle Valley's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,183 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Senecaville Lake Near Senecaville (lake), Seneca Fork Bl Senecaville Dam Near Senecaville (river), Wills Creek At Derwent (river).
What Belle Valley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Belle Valley'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.
Belle Valley's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
Noble County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1968. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Belle Valley'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. | 40.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 40.000 mg/L (2005)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Belle Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Belle Valley ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Belle Valley's water comes from
Belle Valley'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 private ownership and serves approximately 3,183 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Belle Valley
Belle Valley is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Belle Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NOBLE COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY PWS | OH6100503 | 2,368 | SWP |
| NOBLE WATER COMPANY | OH6100203 | 815 | SWP |
How Belle Valley compares
Full Ohio rankings →Belle Valley's score of 77.8/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Belle Valley, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Belle Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Noble
Frequently asked questions
Is Belle Valley, OH tap water safe to drink?
Belle Valley's water quality earned a grade of B (77.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #318 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Belle Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 43 violations are on record.
How is Belle Valley'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 Belle Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Belle Valley's water come from?
Belle Valley's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,183 residents.
What health violations has Belle Valley's water system had?
Belle Valley has 20 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Belle Valley's water compare to other cities?
Belle Valley ranks #318 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 38% of state cities) and #8883 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.