Is Gratis, 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 ↓
87.3/100
waterverge.com Gratis, OH — Water Quality Report
Gratis's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 990 residents using groundwater.
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 29 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gratis's water
Gratis ranks #78 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Gratis 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, Gratis may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gratis, OH water safe to drink?
Gratis's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 990 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gratis
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gratis's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.3/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
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 Gratis'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
Gratis's water system has 29 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Preble 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. Local water sources include Twin Creek Near Germantown, Great Miami River At Middletown, Sevenmile Creek At Camden.
Where does Gratis's water come from?
Gratis's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 990 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Twin Creek Near Germantown (river), Great Miami River At Middletown (river), Sevenmile Creek At Camden (river).
What Gratis residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gratis'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 Gratis
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gratis, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SILFEX INC EATON, OH45320 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
NEATON AUTO PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING INC EATON, OH45320 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
PARKER HANNIFIN CORP EATON OHIO PLANT EATON, OH45320 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
DDP SPECIALTY ELECTRONIC MATERIALS US 5 LLC WEST ALEXANDRIA, OH45381 | — | — | 6.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Preble 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Gratis'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. | 1.5 | 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. | 180.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 180.000 mg/L (2005)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Gratis compares by contaminant
Explore where Gratis ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gratis's water comes from
Gratis'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 990 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gratis
Gratis is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Gratis
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GRATIS VILLAGE PWS | OH6800612 | 990 | GW |
How Gratis compares
Full Ohio rankings →Gratis's score of 87.3/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Gratis, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gratis's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Preble
Frequently asked questions
Is Gratis, OH tap water safe to drink?
Gratis's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #78 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Gratis's water?
Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 29 violations are on record.
How is Gratis'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 Gratis?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gratis's water come from?
Gratis's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 990 residents.
What health violations has Gratis's water system had?
Gratis has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gratis's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gratis 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 29 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 Gratis's water compare to other cities?
Gratis ranks #78 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 85% of state cities) and #4155 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gratis's small water system affect quality?
Gratis's system serves approximately 990 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 29 violations on record.