Is Middleburg Heights, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
87.4/100
waterverge.com Middleburg Heights, OH — Water Quality Report
Middleburg Heights's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 678 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.9 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 54 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Middleburg Heights's water
Middleburg Heights ranks #75 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Middleburg Heights 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, Middleburg Heights may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Middleburg Heights, OH water safe to drink?
Middleburg Heights's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 678 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Middleburg Heights
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Middleburg Heights's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4098). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Middleburg Heights'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
Middleburg Heights's water system has 54 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Cuyahoga County has experienced 6 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. Local water sources include West Branch Rocky River At West View, Baker Creek At Olmsted Falls, Unnamed Tributary To W B Rocky R Near Berea, Plum Creek Near Olmsted Falls, Unnamed Trib To W B Rocky R Near Olmsted Falls.
Where does Middleburg Heights's water come from?
Middleburg Heights's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 678 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include West Branch Rocky River At West View (river), Baker Creek At Olmsted Falls (river), Unnamed Tributary To W B Rocky R Near Berea (river), Plum Creek Near Olmsted Falls (river), Unnamed Trib To W B Rocky R Near Olmsted Falls (river).
What Middleburg Heights residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Middleburg Heights'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.
Middleburg Heights'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 Middleburg Heights
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Middleburg Heights, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 538 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CHARTER MANUFACTURING CO. INC. CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS, OH44125 | Zinc compounds | 303 | 9.6 mi |
GENERAL MOTORS LLC PARMA PLANT PARMA, OH44130 | Manganese | 130 | 3.8 mi |
VIBRANTZ CORP CLEVELAND, OH44105 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 90 | 10.0 mi |
HOWMET AEROSPACE CLEVELAND WORKS CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS, OH44105 | Copper | 15 | 9.0 mi |
COLOR MATRIX CORP BEREA, OH44017 | — | — | 2.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Cuyahoga County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Middleburg Heights'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. | 1.9 | 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. | 270.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Middleburg Heights compares by contaminant
Explore where Middleburg Heights ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Middleburg Heights's water comes from
Middleburg Heights'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 678 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Middleburg Heights
Middleburg Heights is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Middleburg Heights
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAINBROOK WATER COMPANY PWS | OH2803112 | 339 | GW |
| LAUREL SPRINGS WATER CO. | OH2804112 | 339 | GW |
How Middleburg Heights compares
Full Ohio rankings →Middleburg Heights's score of 87.4/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Middleburg Heights, OH
Wikipedia →Middleburg Heights is a city in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States. It is a suburb about 11 miles (18 km) southwest of downtown Cleveland. The population was 16,004 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Middleburg Heights's water quality findings.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Middleburg Heights, OH tap water safe to drink?
Middleburg Heights's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #75 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Middleburg Heights's water?
Lead was measured at 1.9 ppb (90th percentile). 54 violations are on record.
How is Middleburg Heights'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 Middleburg Heights?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Middleburg Heights's water come from?
Middleburg Heights's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 678 residents.
What health violations has Middleburg Heights's water system had?
Middleburg Heights has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2019. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Middleburg Heights's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Middleburg Heights 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 54 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 Middleburg Heights's water compare to other cities?
Middleburg Heights ranks #75 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 85% of state cities) and #4102 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.