Is Buckeye Lake, 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 ↓
80.9/100
waterverge.com Buckeye Lake, OH — Water Quality Report
Buckeye Lake's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 6,893 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 23 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Buckeye Lake's water
Buckeye Lake ranks #246 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Buckeye Lake purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Buckeye Lake, OH water safe to drink?
Buckeye Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 6,893 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Buckeye Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Buckeye Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-831). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Buckeye Lake'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
Buckeye Lake's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Licking County has experienced 3 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 South Fork Licking River At Kirkersville, South Fork Licking River Near Buckeye Lake, South Fork Licking River Near Hebron, South Fork Licking River At Heath, Raccoon Creek Near Granville.
Where does Buckeye Lake's water come from?
Buckeye Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 6,893 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Licking River At Kirkersville (river), South Fork Licking River Near Buckeye Lake (river), South Fork Licking River Near Hebron (river), South Fork Licking River At Heath (river), Raccoon Creek Near Granville (river).
What Buckeye Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Buckeye Lake'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.
Buckeye Lake'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
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Buckeye Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Buckeye Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 61 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KAISER ALUMINUM FABRICATED PRODUCTS LLC. HEATH, OH43056 | Zinc compounds | 59 | 5.4 mi |
OHIO PAPERBOARD BALTIMORE, OH43105 | Lead | 1 | 9.0 mi |
AMPACET CORP HEATH, OH43056 | Zinc compounds | 1 | 4.6 mi |
MARATHON PIPE LINE - HEATH TERMINAL HEATH, OH43056 | Polycyclic aromatic compounds | 0 | 6.1 mi |
COVESTRO NEWARK COMPOUNDING FACILITY HEBRON, OH43025 | — | — | 2.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Licking County has experienced 3 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 Buckeye Lake'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. | 1.76 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Buckeye Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Buckeye Lake ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Buckeye Lake's water comes from
Buckeye Lake 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 Buckeye Lake'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 private ownership and serves approximately 6,893 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Buckeye Lake
Buckeye Lake is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Buckeye Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LICKING COUNTY HARBOR HILLS PWS | OH4500812 | 3,415 | GWP |
| BUCKEYE LAKE, VILLAGE OF PWS | OH4564712 | 2,746 | GWP |
| LICKING COUNTY PRESCOTT ESTATES | OH4501712 | 732 | GW |
How Buckeye Lake compares
Full Ohio rankings →Buckeye Lake's score of 80.9/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Buckeye Lake, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Buckeye Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Licking
Frequently asked questions
Is Buckeye Lake, OH tap water safe to drink?
Buckeye Lake's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #246 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Buckeye Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Buckeye Lake'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 Buckeye Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Buckeye Lake's water come from?
Buckeye Lake's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 6,893 residents.
What health violations has Buckeye Lake's water system had?
Buckeye Lake has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Buckeye Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Buckeye Lake 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 23 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 Buckeye Lake's water compare to other cities?
Buckeye Lake ranks #246 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 52% of state cities) and #7659 out of 15744 cities nationally (51th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.