WaterVerge

Is Hebron, 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 ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: OH4501012
Overall Score
89.7 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#36 of 511 in Ohio Top 17% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89.7/100
waterverge.com
A- 89.7/100

Hebron, OH — Water Quality Report

Hebron's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,368 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.7 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 16 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Hebron's water

Hebron ranks #36 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Hebron 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, Hebron may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89.7 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.7/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Hebron, OH water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Hebron's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,368 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
1.7 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Hebron

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hebron's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.7/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Violation
14 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: BHC-GAMMA, Diquat, Endothall.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

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 Hebron's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.7 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 184.00 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Hebron's water system has 16 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

OtherMR
Most recent violations:
Jul 2016 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 1997 BHC-GAMMA Resolved
Jan 1997 Diquat Resolved
Jan 1997 Endothall Resolved
Jan 1997 Glyphosate Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Licking County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1968. 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 South Fork Licking River At Kirkersville, South Fork Licking River Near Buckeye Lake, South Fork Licking River Near Hebron, South Fork Licking River At Heath, Raccoon Creek Near Granville.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3250
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-831
HEAVY RAINS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-243

Where does Hebron's water come from?

Hebron's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,368 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Licking River At Kirkersville (river), South Fork Licking River Near Buckeye Lake (river), South Fork Licking River Near Hebron (river), South Fork Licking River At Heath (river), Raccoon Creek Near Granville (river).

What Hebron residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Hebron'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.7 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 11% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
184.00 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

16
Total violations
0
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Jul 2016
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

16 Total
2 Active
0 Health-based
14 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
14
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 1997 Resolved
BHC-GAMMA
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Diquat
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Endothall
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Glyphosate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Picloram
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Carbofuran
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
2,4-D
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Benzo(a)pyrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Total Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
OXAMYL
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Methoxychlor
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Pentachlorophenol
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Hebron

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hebron, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 60 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
KAISER ALUMINUM FABRICATED PRODUCTS LLC.
Primary Metals · KAISER ALUMINUM FABRICATED PRODUCTS LLC
HEATH, OH43056
Zinc compounds593.6 mi
AMPACET CORP
Chemicals · AMPACET CORP
HEATH, OH43056
Zinc compounds12.6 mi
MARATHON PIPE LINE - HEATH TERMINAL
Petroleum Bulk Terminals · MARATHON PETROLEUM CORP
HEATH, OH43056
Polycyclic aromatic compounds04.1 mi
COVESTRO NEWARK COMPOUNDING FACILITY
Chemicals · COVESTRO LLC
HEBRON, OH43025
0.8 mi
STATE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS
Chemicals · NA
HEBRON, OH43025
0.5 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Licking County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1968. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3250
Jun 1989
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #831
Jun 1968
HEAVY RAINS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #243

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Hebron's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.7 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 184.00 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 1.7 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.7 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 184.000 mg/L (2004)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,368
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Hebron's water comes from

Groundwater

Hebron'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 2,368 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Hebron

Hebron is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

South Fork Licking River At Kirkersville
river
South Fork Licking River Near Buckeye Lake
river
South Fork Licking River Near Hebron
river
South Fork Licking River At Heath
river
Raccoon Creek Near Granville
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Hebron

System Name PWSID Population Source
HEBRON VILLAGE PWS OH4501012 2,368 GW
Regional Comparison

How Hebron compares

Full Ohio rankings →

Hebron's score of 89.7/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Hebron (this city)
89.7
Columbus
35.5
Cleveland
85.5
Cincinnati
36.8
Toledo
78
Kent
38.2
Ohio avg
58
City Profile

About Hebron, OH

Wikipedia →

Hebron is a village in Licking County, Ohio, United States. The population was 2,326 at the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$60,706
Median Income
$160,431
Median Home Value
$805/mo
Median Rent
5.4%
Unemployment
Community
34.7
Median Age
324
People / sq mi
15.8%
College Educated
55.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Hebron, OH tap water safe to drink?

Hebron's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #36 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.

What contaminants are in Hebron's water?

Lead was measured at 1.7 ppb (90th percentile). 16 violations are on record.

How is Hebron'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 Hebron?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Hebron's water come from?

Hebron's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,368 residents.

Is Hebron's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Hebron 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 16 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 Hebron's water compare to other cities?

Hebron ranks #36 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 93% of state cities) and #2651 out of 15744 cities nationally (83th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Hebron's small water system affect quality?

Hebron's system serves approximately 2,368 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 16 violations on record.