Is Mingo Junction, 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 ↓
72.2/100
waterverge.com Mingo Junction, OH — Water Quality Report
Mingo Junction's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,015 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.4 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 67 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mingo Junction's water
Mingo Junction ranks #396 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Mingo Junction 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.
The system has seen 11 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mingo Junction, OH water safe to drink?
Mingo Junction's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,015 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mingo Junction
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mingo Junction's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Mingo Junction'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
Mingo Junction's water system has 67 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 11 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jefferson County has experienced 8 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 Kings Creek, Short Creek Near Dillonvale.
Where does Mingo Junction's water come from?
Mingo Junction's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,015 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Kings Creek (river), Short Creek Near Dillonvale (river).
What Mingo Junction residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mingo Junction'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.
Mingo Junction'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 Mingo Junction
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mingo Junction, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 121,034 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARDINAL PLANT BRILLIANT, OH43913 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 90,756 | 5.4 mi |
TITANIUM METALS CORP TORONTO, OH43964 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 27,793 | 8.4 mi |
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS WEIRTON LLC WEIRTON, WV26062 | Chromium compounds (except for chromite ore mined in the Transvaal Region) | 2,300 | 6.7 mi |
JSW STEEL USA OHIO INC. MINGO JUNCTION, OH43938 | Zinc compounds | 185 | 0.8 mi |
BARIUM & CHEMICALS INC STEUBENVILLE, OH43952 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Jefferson County has experienced 8 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 Mingo Junction'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. | 2.4 | 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. | 24.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mingo Junction compares by contaminant
Explore where Mingo Junction ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mingo Junction's water comes from
Mingo Junction'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 4,015 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Mingo Junction
Mingo Junction is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mingo Junction
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MINGO JUNCTION PWS | OH4101612 | 3,350 | GW |
| DILLONVALE | OH4100512 | 665 | GW |
How Mingo Junction compares
Full Ohio rankings →Mingo Junction's score of 72.2/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Mingo Junction, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mingo Junction's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Mingo Junction, OH tap water safe to drink?
Mingo Junction's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #396 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Mingo Junction's water?
Lead was measured at 2.4 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.
How is Mingo Junction'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 Mingo Junction?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mingo Junction's water come from?
Mingo Junction's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,015 residents.
What health violations has Mingo Junction's water system had?
Mingo Junction has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mingo Junction's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mingo Junction 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 67 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 Mingo Junction's water compare to other cities?
Mingo Junction ranks #396 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 23% of state cities) and #10418 out of 15744 cities nationally (34th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.