Is Marblehead, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86.7/100
waterverge.com Marblehead, OH — Water Quality Report
Marblehead's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 865 residents using purchased surface water.
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 22 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Marblehead's water
Marblehead ranks #93 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Marblehead may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Marblehead, OH water safe to drink?
Marblehead's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 865 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Marblehead
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Marblehead's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-436). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Marblehead's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Marblehead's water system has 22 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Ottawa County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.
Where does Marblehead's water come from?
Marblehead's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 865 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Marblehead residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Marblehead'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.
Marblehead'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 Marblehead
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Marblehead, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OKAMOTO SANDUSKY MANUFACTURING LLC SANDUSKY, OH44870 | — | — | 6.2 mi |
AMERICAN COLORS INC DISPERSION PLANT SANDUSKY OHIO SANDUSKY, OH44870 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
POLYNT COMPOSITES USA INC. SANDUSKY, OH44870 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
U.S. TSUBAKI POWER TRANSMISSION LLC SANDUSKY, OH44870 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
JBT FOODTECH SANDUSKY, OH44870 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Ottawa County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Marblehead compares by contaminant
Explore where Marblehead ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Marblehead's water comes from
Marblehead's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 865 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Marblehead
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARBLEHEAD VILLAGE | OH6202411 | 865 | SWP |
How Marblehead compares
Full Ohio rankings →Marblehead's score of 86.7/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Marblehead, OH
Wikipedia →Marblehead is a village in Ottawa County, Ohio, United States. The population was 865 at the 2020 census. It sits at the tip of the Marblehead Peninsula, which divides Lake Erie proper from Sandusky Bay. Marblehead is part of the area that is referred to regionally as Vacationland due to the large number of tourists who flock to the area in the summer months. It remains a popular vacation destination due to its lake frontage, ferry service to the Lake Erie Islands, quality sport fishery, the nearby Lakeside Chautauqua, and the Cedar Point amusement park. Marblehead is also home to the Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve, home to the only natural U.S. population of the Lakeside Daisy, an endangered species.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Marblehead's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ottawa
Frequently asked questions
Is Marblehead, OH tap water safe to drink?
Marblehead's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #93 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Marblehead's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 22 violations are on record.
How is Marblehead'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 Marblehead?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Marblehead's water come from?
Marblehead's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 865 residents.
What health violations has Marblehead's water system had?
Marblehead has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Marblehead's water compare to other cities?
Marblehead ranks #93 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 82% of state cities) and #4553 out of 15744 cities nationally (71th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Marblehead's small water system affect quality?
Marblehead's system serves approximately 865 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 22 violations on record.