Is Lowell, 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 ↓
81.9/100
waterverge.com Lowell, OH — Water Quality Report
Lowell's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,625 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 60 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lowell's water
Lowell ranks #223 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Lowell purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lowell, OH water safe to drink?
Lowell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,625 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Lowell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lowell's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence 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 Lowell'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
Lowell's water system has 60 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Washington County has experienced 5 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 East Fork Duck Creek Near Harrietsville, West Fork Duck Creek At Macksburg, Duck Creek Below Whipple, Muskingum River At Beverly, Ohio River.
Where does Lowell's water come from?
Lowell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,625 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include East Fork Duck Creek Near Harrietsville (river), West Fork Duck Creek At Macksburg (river), Duck Creek Below Whipple (river), Muskingum River At Beverly (river), Ohio River (river).
What Lowell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lowell'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.
Lowell'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 Lowell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lowell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,919 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ERAMET MARIETTA INC MARIETTA, OH45750 | Manganese | 2,887 | 8.3 mi |
FERROGLOBE USA METALLURGICAL INC WATERFORD, OH45786 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 32 | 9.9 mi |
PROFUSION INDUSTRIES LLC MARIETTA, OH45750 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC (ASHEVILLE) LLC MARIETTA, OH45750 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
VANGUARD PAINTS & FINISHES INC MARIETTA, OH45750 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Lowell
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- VAN DALE JUNKYARD8.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Washington County has experienced 5 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 Lowell'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. | 3.3 | 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. | 200.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lowell compares by contaminant
Explore where Lowell ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lowell's water comes from
Lowell 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 Lowell'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 private ownership and serves approximately 3,625 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Lowell
Lowell is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Lowell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIGHLAND RIDGE W AND S ASSOCIATION INC | OH8403203 | 3,022 | GWP |
| LOWELL VILLAGE PWS | OH8400312 | 603 | GW |
How Lowell compares
Full Ohio rankings →Lowell's score of 81.9/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Lowell, OH
Wikipedia →Lowell is a village in Washington County, Ohio, United States, along the Muskingum River. The population was 549 at the 2020 census. The village is located about 7.6 miles (12.2 km) north of Marietta, Ohio.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lowell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Washington
Frequently asked questions
Is Lowell, OH tap water safe to drink?
Lowell's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #223 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Lowell's water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 60 violations are on record.
How is Lowell'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 Lowell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lowell's water come from?
Lowell's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,625 residents.
What health violations has Lowell's water system had?
Lowell has 6 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Lowell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Lowell 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 60 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 Lowell's water compare to other cities?
Lowell ranks #223 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 56% of state cities) and #7246 out of 15744 cities nationally (54th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.