Is Junction City, 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 ↓
87/100
waterverge.com Junction City, OH — Water Quality Report
Junction City's drinking water received a grade of A- (87 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 819 residents using purchased ground 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 38 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Junction City's water
Junction City ranks #86 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Junction City purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Junction City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Junction City, OH water safe to drink?
Junction City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 819 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Junction City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Junction City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4424). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4360). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Junction City'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
Junction City's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Perry County has experienced 4 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.
Where does Junction City's water come from?
Junction City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 819 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Junction City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Junction City'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.
Junction City'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 Junction City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Junction City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WESTERMAN INC. BREMEN, OH43107 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
WESTERMAN INC. PAINT & BLAST CAMPUS BREMEN, OH43107 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
LUDOWICI ROOF TILE INC NEW LEXINGTON, OH43764 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
SCHMELZER INDS. INC. SOMERSET, OH43783 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Perry County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1968. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Junction City'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. | 40.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 40.000 mg/L (2005)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Junction City compares by contaminant
Explore where Junction City ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Junction City's water comes from
Junction City purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Junction City's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 819 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Junction City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JUNCTION CITY | OH6400212 | 819 | GWP |
How Junction City compares
Full Ohio rankings →Junction City's score of 87/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Junction City, OH
Wikipedia →Junction City is a village in Perry County, Ohio, United States. The population was 721 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Junction City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Perry
Frequently asked questions
Is Junction City, OH tap water safe to drink?
Junction City's water quality earned a grade of A- (87/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #86 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Junction City's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Junction City'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 Junction City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Junction City's water come from?
Junction City's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 819 residents.
Is Junction City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Junction City 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 38 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 Junction City's water compare to other cities?
Junction City ranks #86 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 83% of state cities) and #4351 out of 15744 cities nationally (72th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Junction City's small water system affect quality?
Junction City's system serves approximately 819 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 38 violations on record.