Is Kingston, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
64.1/100
waterverge.com Kingston, OH — Water Quality Report
Kingston's drinking water received a grade of C (64.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,032 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.7 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 50 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kingston's water
Kingston ranks #449 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Kingston 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, Kingston may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kingston, OH water safe to drink?
Kingston's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,032 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Kingston
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kingston's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.1/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice, LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4424). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Kingston's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Kingston's water system has 50 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 14 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ross 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 Scioto River At Circleville, Scioto River At Chillicothe.
Where does Kingston's water come from?
Kingston's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,032 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Scioto River At Circleville (river), Scioto River At Chillicothe (river).
What Kingston residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kingston'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.
Kingston'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 Kingston
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kingston, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 30,492 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DUPONT CIRCLEVILLE PLANT CIRCLEVILLE, OH43113 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 30,492 | 6.6 mi |
PPG INDUSTRIES OHIO INC CIRCLEVILLE OH CIRCLEVILLE, OH43113 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
TRIMOLD LLC CIRCLEVILLE, OH43113 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
WORLD FUEL SERVICES CIRCLEVILLE BULK PLANT CIRCLEVILLE, OH43113 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
KENWORTH TRUCK CO CHILLICOTHE, OH45601 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Ross 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.
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. | 2.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kingston compares by contaminant
Explore where Kingston ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kingston's water comes from
Kingston 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 Kingston'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 1,032 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Kingston
Kingston is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Kingston
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KINGSTON VILLAGE PWS | OH7100912 | 1,032 | GWP |
How Kingston compares
Full Ohio rankings →Kingston's score of 64.1/100 is above 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 Kingston, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kingston's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ross
Frequently asked questions
Is Kingston, OH tap water safe to drink?
Kingston's water quality earned a grade of C (64.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #449 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Kingston's water?
Lead was measured at 2.7 ppb (90th percentile). 50 violations are on record.
How is Kingston'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 Kingston?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kingston's water come from?
Kingston's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,032 residents.
What health violations has Kingston's water system had?
Kingston has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Kingston's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Kingston 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 50 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 Kingston's water compare to other cities?
Kingston ranks #449 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 12% of state cities) and #11690 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Kingston's small water system affect quality?
Kingston's system serves approximately 1,032 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 50 violations on record.