WaterVerge

Is Carrollton, 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 ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: OH1000012
Overall Score
72.2 / 100
Violations
8 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#397 of 511 in Ohio Top 66% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
72.2/100
waterverge.com
B- 72.2/100

Carrollton, OH — Water Quality Report

Carrollton's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,055 residents using groundwater.

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 12 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Carrollton's water

Carrollton ranks #397 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Carrollton 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, Carrollton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
72.2 out of 100 Grade B-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
32.7/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
18.5/20
A
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
0/10
F
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Carrollton, OH water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Carrollton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,055 residents using groundwater (wells).

8
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
1 event
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Carrollton

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Carrollton's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.2/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.49 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Carrollton's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

TTRPTOtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Nov 2025 Groundwater Rule Open
Jul 2025 LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS Open
Dec 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2022 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Sep 2021 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Carroll County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Mcguire Creek Above Leesville Lake, North Fork Mcguire Creek Near Carrollton, Bear Hole Run Near Carrollton, Leesville Lake Near Leesville, Mcguire Creek Near Leesville.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3250

Where does Carrollton's water come from?

Carrollton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,055 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mcguire Creek Above Leesville Lake (river), North Fork Mcguire Creek Near Carrollton (river), Bear Hole Run Near Carrollton (river), Leesville Lake Near Leesville (lake), Mcguire Creek Near Leesville (river).

What Carrollton residents can do

Install a water filter

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

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
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.49 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +15% over limit
Exceeds Limit
HAA5 (Disinfection Byproducts)
Disinfection Byproduct
Safe
3.5 µg/L
EPA MCL: 60 µg/L · 6% of limit
Within LimitUCMR 4 DataHAA6Br: 2.5 µg/LHAA9: 5.6 µg/L
Manganese
Inorganic
Detected
0.7 µg/L
EPA Secondary MCL: 50 µg/L · 1% of limit
DetectedUCMR 4 Data
Compliance Record

Violation summary

12
Total violations
2
Health-based
8
Active / unresolved
Nov 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

12 Total
8 Active
2 Health-based
4 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Consumer Confidence Rule
5
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Total Coliform Rule
2
Ground Water Rule
1
Lead and Copper Rule Revisions
1
Nov 2025 Active
Groundwater Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2025 Active
LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS
Reporting
Reporting 0
Dec 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Sep 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Nov 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Nov 2018 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2015 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Jan 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2015
Jun 2003 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jun 2003
Dec 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1993
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Carrollton

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Carrollton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 8 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
IMPERIAL ALUMINUM-MINERVA LLC
Primary Metals · THE IMPERIAL GROUP LLC
MINERVA, OH44657
Zinc compounds89.9 mi
FUSION CERAMICS INC
Chemicals · NA
CARROLLTON, OH44615
0.9 mi
SUMMITVILLE TILES INC MINERVA PLANT
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · GENERAL SHALE BRICK INC
MINERVA, OH44657
9.7 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

1
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Carroll County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3250

Recommended water filters

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

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.49 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 9.6 ppb from 1993 (9.6 ppb) to 2025 (0.0 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 1.500 mg/L (1993)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Contaminant Rankings

See how Carrollton compares by contaminant

Explore where Carrollton ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,055
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Carrollton's water comes from

Groundwater

Carrollton'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 3,055 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Carrollton

Carrollton is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Mcguire Creek Above Leesville Lake
river
North Fork Mcguire Creek Near Carrollton
river
Bear Hole Run Near Carrollton
river
Leesville Lake Near Leesville
lake
Mcguire Creek Near Leesville
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Carrollton

System Name PWSID Population Source
CARROLLTON VILLAGE OH1000012 3,055 GW
Regional Comparison

How Carrollton compares

Full Ohio rankings →

Carrollton's score of 72.2/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.

Carrollton (this city)
72.2
Columbus
35.5
Cleveland
85.5
Cincinnati
36.8
Toledo
78
Kent
38.2
Ohio avg
58
City Profile

About Carrollton, OH

Wikipedia →

Carrollton is a village in Carroll County, Ohio, United States, and its county seat. The population was 3,087 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Canton–Massillon metropolitan area.

Economic Profile
$62,444
Median Income
$117,432
Median Home Value
$684/mo
Median Rent
1.1%
Unemployment
Community
48
Median Age
459
People / sq mi
15.3%
College Educated
78.4%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Carrollton, OH tap water safe to drink?

Carrollton's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #397 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.

What contaminants are in Carrollton's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.

How is Carrollton'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 Carrollton?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Carrollton's water come from?

Carrollton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,055 residents.

What health violations has Carrollton's water system had?

Carrollton has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.

Is Carrollton's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Carrollton 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 12 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 Carrollton's water compare to other cities?

Carrollton ranks #397 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 22% of state cities) and #10419 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Carrollton's small water system affect quality?

Carrollton's system serves approximately 3,055 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 12 violations on record.