Is Gambier, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
85.5/100
waterverge.com Gambier, OH — Water Quality Report
Gambier's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,502 residents using purchased ground 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 13 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gambier's water
Gambier ranks #123 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Gambier purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Gambier may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gambier, OH water safe to drink?
Gambier's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,502 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gambier
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gambier's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.5/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Gambier'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
Gambier's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Knox 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 Kokosing River At Mount Vernon, North Fork Licking River At Utica.
Where does Gambier's water come from?
Gambier's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,502 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kokosing River At Mount Vernon (river), North Fork Licking River At Utica (river).
What Gambier residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gambier'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 Gambier
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gambier, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OWENS CORNING INSULATING SYSTEMS LLC MOUNT VERNON MOUNT VERNON, OH43050 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
PRESTRESS SERVICES INDUSTRIES LLC - PLANT 6 MOUNT VERNON, OH43050 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Knox 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Gambier'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. | 73.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 73.000 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Gambier compares by contaminant
Explore where Gambier ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gambier's water comes from
Gambier 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 Gambier'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 2,502 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gambier
Gambier is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Gambier
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAMBIER VILLAGE PWS | OH4200403 | 2,502 | GWP |
How Gambier compares
Full Ohio rankings →Gambier's score of 85.5/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Gambier, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gambier's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Knox
Frequently asked questions
Is Gambier, OH tap water safe to drink?
Gambier's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #123 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Gambier's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Gambier'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 Gambier?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gambier's water come from?
Gambier's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,502 residents.
What health violations has Gambier's water system had?
Gambier has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gambier's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gambier 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 13 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 Gambier's water compare to other cities?
Gambier ranks #123 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 76% of state cities) and #5290 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gambier's small water system affect quality?
Gambier's system serves approximately 2,502 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 13 violations on record.