Is Malta, 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 ↓
77.5/100
waterverge.com Malta, OH — Water Quality Report
Malta's drinking water received a grade of B (77.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,011 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.2 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 30 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Malta's water
Malta ranks #324 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Malta purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Malta may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Malta, OH water safe to drink?
Malta's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,011 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Malta
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Malta's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.5/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Malta's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Malta's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Morgan County has experienced 4 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 Muskingum River At Mcconnelsville.
Where does Malta's water come from?
Malta's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,011 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Muskingum River At Mcconnelsville (river).
What Malta residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Malta'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.
Malta'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 Malta
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Malta, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 311 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MIBA BEARINGS US LLC MC CONNELSVILLE, OH43756 | Copper compounds | 257 | 1.9 mi |
MAHLE ENGINE COMPONENTS USA INC MCCONNELSVILLE, OH43756 | Lead | 55 | 2.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Morgan County has experienced 4 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 Malta'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. | 5.2 | 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. | 40.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 40.000 mg/L (2005)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Malta compares by contaminant
Explore where Malta ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Malta's water comes from
Malta 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 Malta'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 3,011 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Malta
Malta is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Malta
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PORTERSVILLE EAST BRANCH WATER CO. | OH6402303 | 2,340 | GWP |
| MALTA VILLAGE PWS | OH5800412 | 671 | GW |
How Malta compares
Full Ohio rankings →Malta's score of 77.5/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Malta, OH
Wikipedia →Malta is a village in Morgan County, Ohio, United States. The population was 559 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Malta's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Perry
Frequently asked questions
Is Malta, OH tap water safe to drink?
Malta's water quality earned a grade of B (77.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #324 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Malta's water?
Lead was measured at 5.2 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.
How is Malta'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 Malta?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Malta's water come from?
Malta's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,011 residents.
What health violations has Malta's water system had?
Malta has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Malta's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Malta 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 30 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 Malta's water compare to other cities?
Malta ranks #324 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 37% of state cities) and #8979 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.