Is Grand Rapids, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
61.4/100
waterverge.com Grand Rapids, OH — Water Quality Report
Grand Rapids's drinking water received a grade of C (61.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,600 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 373 violations on record, including 41 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Grand Rapids's water
Grand Rapids ranks #462 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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, Grand Rapids may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Grand Rapids, OH water safe to drink?
Grand Rapids's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,600 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Grand Rapids
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grand Rapids's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Grand Rapids'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
Grand Rapids's water system has 373 total violations on record, including 41 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wood 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 Blue Creek Near Whitehouse.
Where does Grand Rapids's water come from?
Grand Rapids's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,600 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Blue Creek Near Whitehouse (river).
What Grand Rapids residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Grand Rapids'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 Grand Rapids
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Grand Rapids, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GLENN HUNTER & ASSOCIATES DELTA, OH43515 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
RIMER ENTERPRISES INC. WATERVILLE, OH43566 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
ARDAGH METAL BEVERAGE USA INC RE: WHITEHOUSE PLANT WHITEHOUSE, OH43571 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Wood 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 Grand Rapids'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. | 93.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 93.000 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Grand Rapids compares by contaminant
Explore where Grand Rapids ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Grand Rapids's water comes from
Grand Rapids'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 1,600 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Grand Rapids
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRAND RAPIDS VILLAGE | OH8700711 | 1,500 | SWP |
| WHISPERING WINDS MHC | OH4801012 | 100 | GW |
How Grand Rapids compares
Full Ohio rankings →Grand Rapids's score of 61.4/100 is on par with the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Grand Rapids, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Grand Rapids's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wood
Frequently asked questions
Is Grand Rapids, OH tap water safe to drink?
Grand Rapids's water quality earned a grade of C (61.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #462 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Grand Rapids's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 373 violations are on record.
How is Grand Rapids'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 Grand Rapids?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Grand Rapids's water come from?
Grand Rapids's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,600 residents.
What health violations has Grand Rapids's water system had?
Grand Rapids has 41 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
How does Grand Rapids's water compare to other cities?
Grand Rapids ranks #462 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 10% of state cities) and #11990 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.