Is Genoa, 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 ↓
75.6/100
waterverge.com Genoa, OH — Water Quality Report
Genoa's drinking water received a grade of B (75.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,110 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 21 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Genoa's water
Genoa ranks #354 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it below average 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, Genoa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Genoa, OH water safe to drink?
Genoa's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,110 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Genoa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Genoa's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-436). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Genoa'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
Genoa's water system has 21 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ottawa County has experienced 4 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 Portage River At Woodville, Portage River Near Elmore.
Where does Genoa's water come from?
Genoa's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,110 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Portage River At Woodville (river), Portage River Near Elmore (river).
What Genoa residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Genoa'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.
Genoa'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 Genoa
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Genoa, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 291,693 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MATERION BRUSH INC ELMORE, OH43416 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 291,683 | 7.7 mi |
MSC WALBRIDGE COATINGS INC WALBRIDGE, OH43465 | Nickel compounds | 10 | 9.4 mi |
GRAYMONT DOLIME (OH) INC. GENOA, OH43430 | — | — | 0.8 mi |
NSG GLASS N.A. INC LUCKEY, OH43443 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
JONES-HAMILTON CO WALBRIDGE, OH43465 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Ottawa County has experienced 4 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 Genoa'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. | 21.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 21.000 mg/L (2005)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Genoa compares by contaminant
Explore where Genoa ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Genoa's water comes from
Genoa'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 3,110 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Genoa
Genoa 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 Genoa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GENOA VILLAGE | OH6201003 | 3,110 | SWP |
How Genoa compares
Full Ohio rankings →Genoa's score of 75.6/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Genoa, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Genoa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ottawa
Frequently asked questions
Is Genoa, OH tap water safe to drink?
Genoa's water quality earned a grade of B (75.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #354 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Genoa's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 21 violations are on record.
How is Genoa'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 Genoa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Genoa's water come from?
Genoa's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,110 residents.
What health violations has Genoa's water system had?
Genoa has 5 health-based violations 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Genoa's water compare to other cities?
Genoa ranks #354 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 31% of state cities) and #9531 out of 15744 cities nationally (40th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Genoa's small water system affect quality?
Genoa's system serves approximately 3,110 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 21 violations on record.