Is Flushing, 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 ↓
74.6/100
waterverge.com Flushing, OH — Water Quality Report
Flushing's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 803 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.3 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 31 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Flushing's water
Flushing ranks #372 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Flushing purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Flushing may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Flushing, OH water safe to drink?
Flushing's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 803 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Flushing
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Flushing's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.6/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Flushing's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Flushing's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Belmont County has experienced 8 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 Stillwater Creek Above Piedmont Lake, Piedmont Lake At Piedmont, Boggs Fork At Piedmont, Stillwater Creek At Piedmont, Brushy Fork Above Clendening Lake.
Where does Flushing's water come from?
Flushing's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 803 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Stillwater Creek Above Piedmont Lake (river), Piedmont Lake At Piedmont (lake), Boggs Fork At Piedmont (river), Stillwater Creek At Piedmont (river), Brushy Fork Above Clendening Lake (river).
What Flushing residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Flushing'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Flushing'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 Flushing
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Flushing, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MARKWEST UTICA EMG LLC CADIZ, OH43907 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Belmont County has experienced 8 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 Flushing'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. | 6.3 | 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. | 1.85 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.900 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Flushing compares by contaminant
Explore where Flushing ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Flushing's water comes from
Flushing purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Flushing's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 803 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Flushing
Flushing is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Flushing
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FLUSHING VILLAGE PWS | OH0700912 | 803 | GWP |
How Flushing compares
Full Ohio rankings →Flushing's score of 74.6/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Flushing, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Flushing's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Belmont
Frequently asked questions
Is Flushing, OH tap water safe to drink?
Flushing's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #372 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Flushing's water?
Lead was measured at 6.3 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.
How is Flushing'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 Flushing?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Flushing's water come from?
Flushing's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 803 residents.
Is Flushing's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Flushing 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 31 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 Flushing's water compare to other cities?
Flushing ranks #372 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 27% of state cities) and #9798 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Flushing's small water system affect quality?
Flushing's system serves approximately 803 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 31 violations on record.