Is Grafton, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79/100
waterverge.com Grafton, OH — Water Quality Report
Grafton's drinking water received a grade of B (79 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,769 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 154 violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Grafton's water
Grafton ranks #291 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, Grafton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Grafton, OH water safe to drink?
Grafton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,769 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Grafton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grafton's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Grafton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Grafton's water system has 154 total violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lorain County has experienced 5 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 Black River At Elyria, Plum Creek Near Olmsted Falls, Unnamed Trib To W B Rocky R Near Olmsted Falls.
Where does Grafton's water come from?
Grafton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,769 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Black River At Elyria (river), Plum Creek Near Olmsted Falls (river), Unnamed Trib To W B Rocky R Near Olmsted Falls (river).
What Grafton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Grafton'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.
Grafton'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 Grafton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Grafton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,190 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
REAL ALLOY SPECIALTY PRODUCTS LLC ELYRIA, OH44035 | Manganese compounds | 823 | 7.9 mi |
BASF CORP ELYRIA, OH44035 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 333 | 7.0 mi |
ELYRIA FOUNDRY CO LLC ELYRIA, OH44035 | Manganese | 34 | 7.5 mi |
UNITED INITIATORS INC ELYRIA, OH44035 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
HYDRO-AIRE AEROSPACE CORP. ELYRIA, OH44035 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Lorain County has experienced 5 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 1.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Grafton compares by contaminant
Explore where Grafton ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Grafton's water comes from
Grafton'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 private ownership and serves approximately 2,769 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Grafton
Grafton is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Grafton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRAFTON VILLAGE PWS | OH4700511 | 2,769 | SWP |
How Grafton compares
Full Ohio rankings →Grafton's score of 79/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Grafton, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Grafton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lorain
Frequently asked questions
Is Grafton, OH tap water safe to drink?
Grafton's water quality earned a grade of B (79/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #291 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Grafton's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 154 violations are on record.
How is Grafton'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 Grafton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Grafton's water come from?
Grafton's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,769 residents.
What health violations has Grafton's water system had?
Grafton has 29 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
How does Grafton's water compare to other cities?
Grafton ranks #291 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 43% of state cities) and #8428 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Grafton's small water system affect quality?
Grafton's system serves approximately 2,769 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 154 violations on record.