Is Bethesda, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.3/100
waterverge.com Bethesda, OH — Water Quality Report
Bethesda's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,382 residents using purchased ground 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 18 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bethesda's water
Bethesda ranks #385 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Bethesda purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Bethesda may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bethesda, OH water safe to drink?
Bethesda's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,382 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bethesda
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bethesda's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Bethesda's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bethesda's water system has 18 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Belmont County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Captina Creek At S.R. 148 At Armstrongs Mills, Stillwater Creek Above Piedmont Lake.
Where does Bethesda's water come from?
Bethesda's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,382 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Captina Creek At S.R. 148 At Armstrongs Mills (river), Stillwater Creek Above Piedmont Lake (river).
What Bethesda residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bethesda'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.
Bethesda'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
Belmont County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bethesda compares by contaminant
Explore where Bethesda ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bethesda's water comes from
Bethesda purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Bethesda's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,382 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bethesda
Bethesda is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bethesda
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BETHESDA PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM | OH0700511 | 1,382 | GWP |
How Bethesda compares
Full Ohio rankings →Bethesda's score of 73.3/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Bethesda, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bethesda's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Belmont
Frequently asked questions
Is Bethesda, OH tap water safe to drink?
Bethesda's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #385 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Bethesda's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 18 violations are on record.
How is Bethesda'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 Bethesda?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bethesda's water come from?
Bethesda's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,382 residents.
What health violations has Bethesda's water system had?
Bethesda has 4 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. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bethesda's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bethesda 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 18 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 Bethesda's water compare to other cities?
Bethesda ranks #385 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 25% of state cities) and #10112 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bethesda's small water system affect quality?
Bethesda's system serves approximately 1,382 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 18 violations on record.