Is Lockbourne, 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 ↓
76.4/100
waterverge.com Lockbourne, OH — Water Quality Report
Lockbourne's drinking water received a grade of B (76.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,094 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 92 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lockbourne's water
Lockbourne ranks #343 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Lockbourne 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, Lockbourne may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lockbourne, OH water safe to drink?
Lockbourne's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 1,094 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lockbourne
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lockbourne's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Lockbourne'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
Lockbourne's water system has 92 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Franklin County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1989. 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 Columbus, Scioto River Above Shadeville, Alum Creek At Columbus, Big Walnut Creek At Rees, Scioto River Near Commercial Point.
Where does Lockbourne's water come from?
Lockbourne's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 1,094 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 Columbus (river), Scioto River Above Shadeville (river), Alum Creek At Columbus (river), Big Walnut Creek At Rees (river), Scioto River Near Commercial Point (river).
What Lockbourne residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lockbourne'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.
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 Lockbourne
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lockbourne, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 102 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
V&S COLUMBUS GALVANIZING LLC COLUMBUS, OH43207 | Zinc compounds | 54 | 7.7 mi |
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS COLUMBUS LLC COLUMBUS, OH43207 | Zinc compounds | 34 | 7.0 mi |
CAPITAL RESIN CORP COLUMBUS, OH43207 | Methanol | 14 | 7.2 mi |
NOVELIS ALR ROLLED PRODUCTS INC ASHVILLE, OH43103 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
HFI LLC (0125034004) CANAL WINCHESTER, OH43110 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Franklin County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1989. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Lockbourne'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. | 1.0 | 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. | 65.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lockbourne compares by contaminant
Explore where Lockbourne ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lockbourne's water comes from
Lockbourne'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,094 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Lockbourne
Lockbourne is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lockbourne
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENCHANTED ACRES MHP | OH2500712 | 750 | GW |
| LOCKBOURNE VILLAGE PWS | OH2503903 | 275 | SWP |
| TWIN PINES MHP | OH6501312 | 69 | GW |
How Lockbourne compares
Full Ohio rankings →Lockbourne's score of 76.4/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Lockbourne, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lockbourne's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Lockbourne, OH tap water safe to drink?
Lockbourne's water quality earned a grade of B (76.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #343 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Lockbourne's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 92 violations are on record.
How is Lockbourne'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 Lockbourne?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lockbourne's water come from?
Lockbourne's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 1,094 residents.
What health violations has Lockbourne's water system had?
Lockbourne has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 19 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lockbourne's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lockbourne 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 92 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 Lockbourne's water compare to other cities?
Lockbourne ranks #343 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 33% of state cities) and #9311 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.