Is Bristol, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
92.3/100
waterverge.com Bristol, OH — Water Quality Report
Bristol's drinking water received a grade of A (92.3 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,418 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 47 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bristol's water
Bristol ranks #17 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Bristol 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, Bristol may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bristol, OH water safe to drink?
Bristol's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (92.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,418 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bristol
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bristol's water quality assessment. Grade: A (92.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4360). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bristol's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bristol's water system has 47 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Hamilton 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 Taylor Creek, Fourmile Creek, Fourmile, Banklick Creek @ Highway 1829 Nr Erlanger, Threemile Creek.
Where does Bristol's water come from?
Bristol's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,418 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Taylor Creek (river), Fourmile Creek (river), Fourmile (river), Banklick Creek @ Highway 1829 Nr Erlanger (river), Threemile Creek (river).
What Bristol residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bristol'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.
Bristol'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
Hamilton 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.
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. | 1.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bristol compares by contaminant
Explore where Bristol ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bristol's water comes from
Bristol'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 1,418 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bristol
Bristol is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bristol
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIMBERBROOK MOBILE HOME PARK | IN5220027 | 1,418 | GW |
How Bristol compares
Full Ohio rankings →Bristol's score of 92.3/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Bristol, OH
Wikipedia →Cincinnati is the most populous city in Hamilton County, Ohio, United States, and its county seat. Settled in 1788, the city is located on the northern side of the confluence of the Licking and Ohio rivers, the latter of which marks the state line with Kentucky. The third-most populous city in Ohio with a population of 309,317 at the 2020 census, Cincinnati serves as the economic and cultural hub of the tri-state Cincinnati metropolitan area, Ohio's most populous metropolitan area and the nation's 30th-largest at over 2.3 million residents.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bristol's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Elkhart
Frequently asked questions
Is Bristol, OH tap water safe to drink?
Bristol's water quality earned a grade of A (92.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #17 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Bristol's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 47 violations are on record.
How is Bristol'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 Bristol?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bristol's water come from?
Bristol's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,418 residents.
What health violations has Bristol's water system had?
Bristol has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bristol's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bristol 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 47 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 Bristol's water compare to other cities?
Bristol ranks #17 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 97% of state cities) and #1297 out of 15744 cities nationally (92th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bristol's small water system affect quality?
Bristol's system serves approximately 1,418 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 47 violations on record.