Is East Sparta, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
91/100
waterverge.com East Sparta, OH — Water Quality Report
East Sparta's drinking water received a grade of A (91 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 10 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about East Sparta's water
East Sparta ranks #24 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
East Sparta 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, East Sparta may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Sparta, OH water safe to drink?
East Sparta'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 850 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for East Sparta
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Sparta's water quality assessment. Grade: A (91/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Antimony, Total.
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 East Sparta's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
East Sparta's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Stark 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 Sandy Creek At Waynesburg, Nimishillen Creek At North Industry, Unnamed Tributary Near Dellroy, Atwood Lake Near New Cumberland, Indian Fork Bl Atwood Dam Near New Cumberland.
Where does East Sparta's water come from?
East Sparta's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 850 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Sandy Creek At Waynesburg (river), Nimishillen Creek At North Industry (river), Unnamed Tributary Near Dellroy (river), Atwood Lake Near New Cumberland (lake), Indian Fork Bl Atwood Dam Near New Cumberland (river).
What East Sparta residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in East Sparta'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 East Sparta
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near East Sparta, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3,899 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
REPUBLIC STEEL-CANTON PLANT CANTON, OH44704 | Zinc compounds | 2,242 | 9.6 mi |
ENVIRITE OF OHIO INC CANTON, OH44707 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,390 | 7.7 mi |
TIMKENSTEEL CORP-FAIRCREST STEEL PLANT CANTON, OH44706 | Nickel | 190 | 7.3 mi |
MARATHON PETROLEUM CO LP OHIO REFINING DIV CANTON, OH44706 | Ammonia | 77 | 8.0 mi |
GMR MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY BOLIVAR, OH44612 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Stark 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.
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. | 1.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how East Sparta compares by contaminant
Explore where East Sparta ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Sparta's water comes from
East Sparta'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 850 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near East Sparta
East Sparta is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving East Sparta
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EAST SPARTA VILLAGE PWS | OH7601612 | 850 | GW |
How East Sparta compares
Full Ohio rankings →East Sparta'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 East Sparta, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Sparta's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Stark
Frequently asked questions
Is East Sparta, OH tap water safe to drink?
East Sparta'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 #24 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in East Sparta's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is East Sparta'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 East Sparta?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Sparta's water come from?
East Sparta's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 850 residents.
Is East Sparta's groundwater at risk of contamination?
East Sparta 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 10 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 East Sparta's water compare to other cities?
East Sparta ranks #24 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 95% of state cities) and #1956 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 East Sparta's small water system affect quality?
East Sparta's system serves approximately 850 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 10 violations on record.