Is Chesterland, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
55.1/100
waterverge.com Chesterland, OH — Water Quality Report
Chesterland's drinking water received a grade of C- (55.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,011 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 391 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 53 remain unresolved.
What to know about Chesterland's water
Chesterland ranks #476 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Chesterland 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, Chesterland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Chesterland, OH water safe to drink?
Chesterland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (55.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,011 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Chesterland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Chesterland's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (55.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Chesterland'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
Chesterland's water system has 391 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 53 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Geauga County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1989. 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 Unnamed Tributary To Chagrin R At Pepper Pike, Unnamed Trib To Chagrin R At Mayfield Village, Chagrin River At Willoughby.
Where does Chesterland's water come from?
Chesterland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 1,011 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Unnamed Tributary To Chagrin R At Pepper Pike (river), Unnamed Trib To Chagrin R At Mayfield Village (river), Chagrin River At Willoughby (river).
What Chesterland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Chesterland'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.
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 Chesterland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Chesterland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 267 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
THE LINCOLN ELECTRIC CO EUCLID, OH44117 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 240 | 9.4 mi |
CHARDON CUSTOM POLYMERS CHARDON, OH44024 | Zinc compounds | 17 | 8.6 mi |
ROCHLING INDUSTRIAL CLEVELAND SOUTH EUCLID, OH44121 | Zinc compounds | 5 | 8.9 mi |
PCC AIRFOILS LLC/SMP WICKLIFFE, OH44092 | Nickel | 3 | 8.3 mi |
PCC AIRFOILS LLC/EASTLAKE EASTLAKE, OH44095 | Nickel | 2 | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Geauga County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1989. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Chesterland'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. | 50.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Chesterland compares by contaminant
Explore where Chesterland ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Chesterland's water comes from
Chesterland'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 1,011 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Chesterland
Chesterland is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Chesterland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEADERS MHP PWS | OH2801612 | 700 | GW |
| MAYWOOD COMMUNITY INC. | OH2801812 | 150 | GW |
| MANCHESTER FARMS WATER | OH2801712 | 82 | GW |
| DEER LAKE MOBILE PARK | OH2800612 | 40 | GW |
| BEAVER CREEK ESTATES | OH2800012 | 39 | GW |
How Chesterland compares
Full Ohio rankings →Chesterland's score of 55.1/100 is on par with the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Chesterland, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Chesterland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Geauga
Frequently asked questions
Is Chesterland, OH tap water safe to drink?
Chesterland's water quality earned a grade of C- (55.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #476 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Chesterland's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 391 violations are on record.
How is Chesterland'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 Chesterland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Chesterland's water come from?
Chesterland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 1,011 residents.
What health violations has Chesterland's water system had?
Chesterland has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 53 violations remain unresolved.
Is Chesterland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Chesterland 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 391 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 Chesterland's water compare to other cities?
Chesterland ranks #476 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 7% of state cities) and #12557 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.