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 ↓
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.
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cadia, OH water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Cadia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cadia's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cadia's water supply.
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.
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
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cadia'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.
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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cadia'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. | 5.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cadia compares by contaminant
Explore where Cadia ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cadia's water comes from
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.
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 |
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.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cadia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Harrison
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.