Is Dresden, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91/100
waterverge.com Dresden, OH — Water Quality Report
Dresden's drinking water received a grade of A (91 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 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 38 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Dresden's water
Dresden ranks #22 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Dresden 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, Dresden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Dresden, OH water safe to drink?
Dresden's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (91/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Dresden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dresden's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4424). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4360). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Dresden's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Dresden's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Muskingum County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1980. 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 Muskingum River Near Coshocton, Wakatomika Creek Near Frazeysburg, Muskingum River At Dresden, Licking River Bl Dillon Dam Near Dillon Falls.
Where does Dresden's water come from?
Dresden's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Muskingum River Near Coshocton (river), Wakatomika Creek Near Frazeysburg (river), Muskingum River At Dresden (river), Licking River Bl Dillon Dam Near Dillon Falls (river).
What Dresden residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Dresden'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.
Dresden's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
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 Dresden
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Dresden, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3,620,883 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS STEEL CORP COSHOCTON, OH43812 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 3,620,883 | 9.0 mi |
WORTHINGTON FOODS INC ZANESVILLE, OH43701 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
THE BILCO CO ZANESVILLE, OH43701 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
RIDGE CORP FRAZEYSBURG, OH43822 | — | — | 3.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Muskingum County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1980. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Dresden compares by contaminant
Explore where Dresden ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Dresden's water comes from
Dresden'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 2,000 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Dresden
Dresden is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Dresden
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DRESDEN PWS | OH6000212 | 2,000 | GW |
How Dresden compares
Full Ohio rankings →Dresden's score of 91/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Dresden, OH
Wikipedia →Dresden is a village in Muskingum County, Ohio, United States, along the Muskingum River at the mouth of Wakatomika Creek. The population was 1,650 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Zanesville micropolitan area. It was incorporated on March 9, 1835.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Dresden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Muskingum
Frequently asked questions
Is Dresden, OH tap water safe to drink?
Dresden's water quality earned a grade of A (91/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #22 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Dresden's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Dresden'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 Dresden?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Dresden's water come from?
Dresden's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 residents.
What health violations has Dresden's water system had?
Dresden has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Dresden's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Dresden 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 38 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 Dresden's water compare to other cities?
Dresden ranks #22 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 96% of state cities) and #1940 out of 15744 cities nationally (88th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Dresden's small water system affect quality?
Dresden's system serves approximately 2,000 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 38 violations on record.