Is Fairport Harbor, 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 ↓
82.7/100
waterverge.com Fairport Harbor, OH — Water Quality Report
Fairport Harbor's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,180 residents using purchased surface water.
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 65 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fairport Harbor's water
Fairport Harbor ranks #201 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Fairport Harbor may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fairport Harbor, OH water safe to drink?
Fairport Harbor's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,180 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Fairport Harbor
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fairport Harbor's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.7/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Fairport Harbor'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
Fairport Harbor's water system has 65 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lake County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Chagrin River At Willoughby, Grand River Near Painesville.
Where does Fairport Harbor's water come from?
Fairport Harbor's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,180 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Chagrin River At Willoughby (river), Grand River Near Painesville (river).
What Fairport Harbor residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fairport Harbor'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.
Fairport Harbor'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 Fairport Harbor
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fairport Harbor, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 103 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
THE LINCOLN ELECTRIC CO MENTOR, OH44060 | Manganese | 83 | 4.2 mi |
PCC MENTOR LLC MENTOR, OH44060 | Nickel | 13 | 5.2 mi |
OBRON ATLANTIC CORP PAINESVILLE, OH44077 | Copper | 6 | 2.3 mi |
PCC AIRFOILS RENAISSANCE PARK PAINESVILLE, OH44077 | Nickel | 1 | 2.2 mi |
MAR-BAL INC. PAINESVILLE, OH44077 | — | — | 2.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Lake County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Fairport Harbor'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. | 310.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 310.000 mg/L (2005)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Fairport Harbor compares by contaminant
Explore where Fairport Harbor ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fairport Harbor's water comes from
Fairport Harbor's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,180 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Fairport Harbor
Fairport Harbor is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Fairport Harbor
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAIRPORT HARBOR VILLAGE PWS | OH4300411 | 3,180 | SWP |
How Fairport Harbor compares
Full Ohio rankings →Fairport Harbor's score of 82.7/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Fairport Harbor, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fairport Harbor's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lake
Frequently asked questions
Is Fairport Harbor, OH tap water safe to drink?
Fairport Harbor's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #201 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Fairport Harbor's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 65 violations are on record.
How is Fairport Harbor'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 Fairport Harbor?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fairport Harbor's water come from?
Fairport Harbor's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,180 residents.
What health violations has Fairport Harbor's water system had?
Fairport Harbor has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Fairport Harbor's water compare to other cities?
Fairport Harbor ranks #201 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 61% of state cities) and #6815 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fairport Harbor's small water system affect quality?
Fairport Harbor's system serves approximately 3,180 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 65 violations on record.