WaterVerge

Is Cadia, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

868 residents served 4 water systems PWSID: OH3401503
Overall Score
78.2 / 100
Violations
15 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#309 of 511 in Ohio Top 56% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
BGRADE
Water Quality Grade
78.2/100
waterverge.com
B 78.2/100

Cadia, OH — Water Quality Report

Cadia's drinking water received a grade of B (78.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 868 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 5.1 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 109 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Cadia's water

Cadia ranks #309 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.

While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.

As a small community water system, Cadia may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
78.2 out of 100 Grade B
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
31.2/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
18/20
A
Lead at 5.1 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Cadia, OH water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Cadia's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 868 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

15
Active Violations
5.1 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)

Recent water quality updates for Cadia

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cadia's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.2/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cadia's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 5.1 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.

Violation history

Cadia's water system has 109 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMCLMONMR
Most recent violations:
Jan 2021 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2020 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2020 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Feb 2020 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2020 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Where does Cadia's water come from?

Cadia's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 868 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.

What Cadia residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cadia's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
5.1 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 34% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

109
Total violations
14
Health-based
15
Active / unresolved
Jan 2021
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

109 Total
15 Active
14 Health-based
94 Resolved
7 SNC
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
48
Total Coliform Rule
18
Inorganic Chemicals
12
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
9
Consumer Confidence Rule
8
Jan 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Feb 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Nov 2018 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2016 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jun 2016 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2015 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2002 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Apr 2018 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Jun 2018
Jan 2018 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Mar 2018
Oct 2017 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Dec 2017
Aug 2017 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Aug 2017
Jul 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Sep 2016
Showing 20 of 109 violations

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Cadia's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 5.1 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 5.1 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 5.4 ppb from 1993 (6.6 ppb) to 2025 (1.2 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Private
Population Served
868
Water Systems
4
Source breakdown
Purchased Surface Water
2
Purchased Groundwater
1
Groundwater
1
Water Source

Where Cadia's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Cadia'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 868 people through 4 water systems.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Cadia

System Name PWSID Population Source
HCWSD-UNIONVALE-KENWOOD OH3401503 257 SWP
HARRISON COUNTY W&S DIST-GEORGETOWN OH3400503 242 GWP
HCWSD - EAST CADIZ OH3439717 191 SWP
HCWSD-PIEDMONT PWS OH3401212 178 GW
Regional Comparison

How Cadia compares

Full Ohio rankings →

Cadia's score of 78.2/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Cadia (this city)
78.2
Columbus
35.5
Cleveland
85.5
Cincinnati
36.8
Toledo
78
Kent
38.2
Ohio avg
58
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Cadia, OH tap water safe to drink?

Cadia's water quality earned a grade of B (78.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #309 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.

What contaminants are in Cadia's water?

Lead was measured at 5.1 ppb (90th percentile). 109 violations are on record.

How is Cadia'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 Cadia?

While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Cadia's water come from?

Cadia's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 868 residents.

What health violations has Cadia's water system had?

Cadia has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2021. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.

How does Cadia's water compare to other cities?

Cadia ranks #309 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 40% of state cities) and #8769 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.