Is Fort Recovery, 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 ↓
93/100
waterverge.com Fort Recovery, OH — Water Quality Report
Fort Recovery's drinking water received a grade of A (93 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,501 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.1 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 27 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fort Recovery's water
Fort Recovery ranks #12 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Fort Recovery 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, Fort Recovery may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fort Recovery, OH water safe to drink?
Fort Recovery's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (93/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,501 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fort Recovery
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fort Recovery's water quality assessment. Grade: A (93/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper 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 Fort Recovery's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Fort Recovery's water system has 27 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Mercer County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1989. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Fort Recovery's water come from?
Fort Recovery's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,501 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Fort Recovery residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fort Recovery'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 Fort Recovery
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fort Recovery, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FORT RECOVERY INDUSTRIES INC FORT RECOVERY, OH45846 | Copper | 2 | 0.6 mi |
COOPER FARMS INC FORT RECOVERY, OH45846 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
J&M MANUFACTURING CO. INC. FORT RECOVERY, OH45846 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
COOPER FARMS EAST MILL FORT RECOVERY, OH45846 | — | — | 0.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Mercer County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1989. 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. | 1.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fort Recovery compares by contaminant
Explore where Fort Recovery ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fort Recovery's water comes from
Fort Recovery'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 1,501 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Fort Recovery
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FT RECOVERY VILLAGE | OH5400212 | 1,501 | GW |
How Fort Recovery compares
Full Ohio rankings →Fort Recovery's score of 93/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Fort Recovery, OH
Wikipedia →Fort Recovery is a village in Mercer County, Ohio, United States. The population was 1,501 at the 2020 census. The village is near the location of Fort Recovery, first established in 1793 under orders from General Anthony Wayne. The town is located near the headwaters of the Wabash River.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fort Recovery's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mercer
Frequently asked questions
Is Fort Recovery, OH tap water safe to drink?
Fort Recovery's water quality earned a grade of A (93/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #12 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Fort Recovery's water?
Lead was measured at 1.1 ppb (90th percentile). 27 violations are on record.
How is Fort Recovery'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 Fort Recovery?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Fort Recovery's water come from?
Fort Recovery's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,501 residents.
What health violations has Fort Recovery's water system had?
Fort Recovery has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Fort Recovery's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fort Recovery 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 27 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 Fort Recovery's water compare to other cities?
Fort Recovery ranks #12 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 98% of state cities) and #1020 out of 15744 cities nationally (94th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fort Recovery's small water system affect quality?
Fort Recovery's system serves approximately 1,501 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 27 violations on record.