WaterVerge

Is Milford Center, 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 ↓

792 residents served 1 water system PWSID: OH8000212
Overall Score
89.1 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#47 of 511 in Ohio Top 20% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89.1/100
waterverge.com
A- 89.1/100

Milford Center, OH — Water Quality Report

Milford Center's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 792 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 0.7 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 28 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Milford Center's water

Milford Center ranks #47 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Milford Center 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, Milford Center may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89.1 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.1/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Milford Center, OH water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Milford Center's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.1/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 792 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
0.7 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
1 event
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Milford Center

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Milford Center's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.1/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Nitrate.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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 Milford Center's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.7 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 221.00 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Milford Center's water system has 28 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.

MRTT
Most recent violations:
Dec 2012 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jan 2008 Nitrate Resolved
Oct 2007 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Aug 2002 Coliform (TCR) Resolved
Jul 2002 Nitrate Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Union County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Mill Creek Above Marysville.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3250

Where does Milford Center's water come from?

Milford Center's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 792 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mill Creek Above Marysville (river).

What Milford Center residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.7 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 5% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
221.00 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

28
Total violations
1
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Dec 2012
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

28 Total
2 Active
1 Health-based
26 Resolved
Violations by category
Inorganic Chemicals
18
Nitrate Rule
4
Total Coliform Rule
2
Arsenic Rule
2
Lead and Copper Rule
1
Oct 2007 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Dec 2012 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Jan 2008 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2008
Aug 2002 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2002
Jul 2002 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2002
Jul 1995 Resolved
Barium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Jul 1995 Resolved
Cadmium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Jul 1995 Resolved
CYANIDE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Jul 1995 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Jul 1995 Resolved
Mercury
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Jul 1995 Resolved
Nickel
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Jul 1995 Resolved
Selenium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Jul 1995 Resolved
Thallium, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Jul 1995 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Jul 1995 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Jul 1995 Resolved
Antimony, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Jul 1995 Resolved
Beryllium, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Jul 1995 Resolved
Asbestos
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Jul 1995 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Showing 20 of 28 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Milford Center

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Milford Center, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 126 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
SCOTTS CO
Chemicals · THE SCOTTS MIRACLE GRO CO LLC
MARYSVILLE, OH43041
Ammonia1236.7 mi
CONTITECH USA LLC
Plastics and Rubber · CONTITECH NORTH AMERICA INC
MARYSVILLE, OH43040
Zinc compounds37.1 mi
HONDA OF AMERICA MANUFACTURING INC
Transportation Equipment · AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO INC
MARYSVILLE, OH430409251
7.4 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

1
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Union County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3250

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Milford Center's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.7 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 221.00 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 12.3 ppb from 1993 (13.0 ppb) to 2025 (0.7 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 221.000 mg/L (2004)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Contaminant Rankings

See how Milford Center compares by contaminant

Explore where Milford Center ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
792
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Milford Center's water comes from

Groundwater

Milford Center'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 792 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Milford Center

Milford Center is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Mill Creek Above Marysville
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Milford Center

System Name PWSID Population Source
MILFORD CENTER VILLAGE PWS OH8000212 792 GW
Regional Comparison

How Milford Center compares

Full Ohio rankings →

Milford Center's score of 89.1/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Milford Center (this city)
89.1
Columbus
35.5
Cleveland
85.5
Cincinnati
36.8
Toledo
78
Kent
38.2
Ohio avg
58
City Profile

About Milford Center, OH

Wikipedia →

Milford Center is a village in Union County, Ohio, United States. The population was 807 at the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$82,500
Median Income
$166,401
Median Home Value
$1,092/mo
Median Rent
2%
Unemployment
Community
28.5
Median Age
747
People / sq mi
17.5%
College Educated
80.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Milford Center, OH tap water safe to drink?

Milford Center's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #47 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.

What contaminants are in Milford Center's water?

Lead was measured at 0.7 ppb (90th percentile). 28 violations are on record.

How is Milford Center'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 Milford Center?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Milford Center's water come from?

Milford Center's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 792 residents.

What health violations has Milford Center's water system had?

Milford Center has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2012. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

Is Milford Center's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Milford Center 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 28 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 Milford Center's water compare to other cities?

Milford Center ranks #47 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 91% of state cities) and #3051 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Milford Center's small water system affect quality?

Milford Center's system serves approximately 792 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 28 violations on record.