Is Kelleys Island, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
82.8/100
waterverge.com Kelleys Island, OH — Water Quality Report
Kelleys Island's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,125 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.5 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 62 violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kelleys Island's water
Kelleys Island ranks #196 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Kelleys Island may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kelleys Island, OH water safe to drink?
Kelleys Island's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (82.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,125 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Kelleys Island
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kelleys Island's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.8/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-377). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Kelleys Island'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
Kelleys Island's water system has 62 total violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Erie County has experienced 3 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.
Where does Kelleys Island's water come from?
Kelleys Island's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,125 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Kelleys Island residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kelleys Island'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.
Kelleys Island'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
Flood & disaster history
Erie County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Kelleys Island'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. | 2.5 | 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. | 1.46 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kelleys Island compares by contaminant
Explore where Kelleys Island ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kelleys Island's water comes from
Kelleys Island'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 3,125 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Kelleys Island
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KELLEYS ISLAND VILLAGE | OH2201111 | 3,125 | SW |
How Kelleys Island compares
Full Ohio rankings →Kelleys Island's score of 82.8/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Kelleys Island, OH
Wikipedia →Kelleys Island is both a village in Erie County, Ohio, and the island which it fully occupies in Lake Erie. The island has a total area of 4.41 square miles (11.42 km2) and was formed by glacial action on limestone and dolomite.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kelleys Island's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Erie
Frequently asked questions
Is Kelleys Island, OH tap water safe to drink?
Kelleys Island's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #196 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Kelleys Island's water?
Lead was measured at 2.5 ppb (90th percentile). 62 violations are on record.
How is Kelleys Island'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 Kelleys Island?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kelleys Island's water come from?
Kelleys Island's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,125 residents.
What health violations has Kelleys Island's water system had?
Kelleys Island has 38 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Kelleys Island's water compare to other cities?
Kelleys Island ranks #196 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 62% of state cities) and #6755 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kelleys Island's small water system affect quality?
Kelleys Island's system serves approximately 3,125 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 62 violations on record.