Is Covington, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
86.1/100
waterverge.com Covington, OH — Water Quality Report
Covington's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,718 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 16 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Covington's water
Covington ranks #108 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Covington 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, Covington may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Covington, OH water safe to drink?
Covington's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,718 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Covington
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Covington's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Covington'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
Covington's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Miami 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 Loramie Creek At Lockington, Great Miami River At Piqua, Greenville Creek Near Bradford, Stillwater River At Pleasant Hill.
Where does Covington's water come from?
Covington's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,718 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Loramie Creek At Lockington (river), Great Miami River At Piqua (river), Greenville Creek Near Bradford (river), Stillwater River At Pleasant Hill (river).
What Covington residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Covington'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 Covington
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Covington, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PRODUCTION PAINT FINISHERS INC. BRADFORD, OH45308 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
PERRIGO PBM COVINGTON LLC COVINGTON, OH45318 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
HARTZELL FAN INC PIQUA, OH45356 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
HARTZELL PROPELLER PIQUA, OH45356 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
HOBART BROTHERS FILLER METALS OPERATION - PIQUA PIQUA, OH45356 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Covington
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- MIAMI COUNTY INCINERATOR7.3 mi
- WEST TROY CONTAMINATED AQUIFER8.9 mi
- EAST TROY CONTAMINATED AQUIFER9.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Miami 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Covington'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. | 0.9 | 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. | 1.36 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Covington compares by contaminant
Explore where Covington ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Covington's water comes from
Covington'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 2,718 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Covington
Covington is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Covington
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| COVINGTON VILLAGE PWS | OH5500112 | 2,718 | GW |
How Covington compares
Full Ohio rankings →Covington's score of 86.1/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Covington, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Covington's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Miami
Frequently asked questions
Is Covington, OH tap water safe to drink?
Covington's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #108 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Covington's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.
How is Covington'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 Covington?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Covington's water come from?
Covington's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,718 residents.
Is Covington's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Covington 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 16 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 Covington's water compare to other cities?
Covington ranks #108 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 79% of state cities) and #4928 out of 15744 cities nationally (69th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Covington's small water system affect quality?
Covington's system serves approximately 2,718 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 16 violations on record.