Is Bellville, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper and Chlorate were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
56.5/100
waterverge.com Bellville, OH — Water Quality Report
Bellville's drinking water received a grade of C- (56.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 3,980 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 90 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bellville's water
Bellville ranks #472 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Bellville 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.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bellville, OH water safe to drink?
Bellville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (56.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 3,980 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bellville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bellville's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (56.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-796). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bellville'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
Bellville's water system has 90 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Richland County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1987. 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 Black Fork Below Charles Mill Dam Near Mifflin, Touby Run At W 6Th St At Mansfield, Rocky Fork At Lucas, Clear Fork Reservoir Near Lexington, Cedar Fork Above Bellville.
Where does Bellville's water come from?
Bellville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 3,980 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Black Fork Below Charles Mill Dam Near Mifflin (river), Touby Run At W 6Th St At Mansfield (river), Rocky Fork At Lucas (river), Clear Fork Reservoir Near Lexington (lake), Cedar Fork Above Bellville (river).
What Bellville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bellville'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 Bellville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bellville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
THERM-O-DISC INC MANSFIELD, OH44907 | Copper | 5 | 7.2 mi |
STONERIDGE INC HI-STAT DIV LEXINGTON, OH44904 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
CHARTER NEXT GENERATION - LEXINGTON MANSFIELD, OH44904 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Richland County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1987. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bellville'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. | 0.9 | 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. | 103.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 274.000 mg/L (2005)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Bellville compares by contaminant
Explore where Bellville ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bellville's water comes from
Bellville'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 3,980 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Bellville
Bellville is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bellville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BELLVILLE VILLAGE | OH7000012 | 1,918 | GW |
| EASTVIEW COMMUNITY WATER ASSOCIATION | OH7000912 | 1,100 | GW |
| CRESTWOOD HILLS C AND R ASSOCIATION | OH7000812 | 564 | GW |
| CLEARFORK MHP | OH7000612 | 318 | GW |
| COUNTRY MEADOW CARE CENTER | OH7003612 | 80 | GW |
How Bellville compares
Full Ohio rankings →Bellville's score of 56.5/100 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 Bellville, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bellville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Richland
Frequently asked questions
Is Bellville, OH tap water safe to drink?
Bellville's water quality earned a grade of C- (56.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #472 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Bellville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 90 violations are on record.
How is Bellville'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 Bellville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bellville's water come from?
Bellville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 3,980 residents.
What health violations has Bellville's water system had?
Bellville has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bellville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bellville 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 90 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 Bellville's water compare to other cities?
Bellville ranks #472 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 8% of state cities) and #12450 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.