Is Lithopolis, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 24 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
71.2/100
waterverge.com Lithopolis, OH — Water Quality Report
Lithopolis's drinking water received a grade of B- (71.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,573 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.1 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 75 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lithopolis's water
Lithopolis ranks #406 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Lithopolis 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, Lithopolis may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lithopolis, OH water safe to drink?
Lithopolis's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (71.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,573 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lithopolis
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lithopolis's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (71.2/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-243). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Lithopolis's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lithopolis's water system has 75 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 24 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fairfield County has experienced 2 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 Blacklick Creek Near Pickerington, Alum Creek At Columbus, Sycamore Creek Below Pickerington.
Where does Lithopolis's water come from?
Lithopolis's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,573 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Blacklick Creek Near Pickerington (river), Alum Creek At Columbus (river), Sycamore Creek Below Pickerington (river).
What Lithopolis residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lithopolis'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
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 Lithopolis
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lithopolis, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 34 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS COLUMBUS LLC COLUMBUS, OH43207 | Zinc compounds | 34 | 9.2 mi |
HFI LLC (0125034004) CANAL WINCHESTER, OH43110 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
TS TRIM INDUSTRIES INC. CANAL WINCHESTER, OH43110 | — | — | 2.6 mi |
AMSTED RAIL CO INC GROVEPORT, OH43125 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
KDC/ONE GROVEPORT GROVEPORT, OH43125 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Fairfield County has experienced 2 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. | 3.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lithopolis compares by contaminant
Explore where Lithopolis ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lithopolis's water comes from
Lithopolis'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 1,573 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lithopolis
Lithopolis is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lithopolis
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LITHOPOLIS VILLAGE PWS | OH2301112 | 1,573 | GW |
How Lithopolis compares
Full Ohio rankings →Lithopolis's score of 71.2/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Lithopolis, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lithopolis's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fairfield
Frequently asked questions
Is Lithopolis, OH tap water safe to drink?
Lithopolis's water quality earned a grade of B- (71.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #406 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Lithopolis's water?
Lead was measured at 3.1 ppb (90th percentile). 75 violations are on record.
How is Lithopolis'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 Lithopolis?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lithopolis's water come from?
Lithopolis's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,573 residents.
What health violations has Lithopolis's water system had?
Lithopolis has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 24 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lithopolis's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lithopolis 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 75 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 Lithopolis's water compare to other cities?
Lithopolis ranks #406 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 21% of state cities) and #10597 out of 15744 cities nationally (33th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lithopolis's small water system affect quality?
Lithopolis's system serves approximately 1,573 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 75 violations on record.