Is New Paris, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
52.8/100
waterverge.com New Paris, OH — Water Quality Report
New Paris's drinking water received a grade of D+ (52.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,669 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.4 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 136 violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Paris's water
New Paris ranks #479 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
New Paris 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, New Paris may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Paris, OH water safe to drink?
New Paris's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (52.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,669 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Paris
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Paris's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (52.8/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-831). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Paris'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
New Paris's water system has 136 total violations on record, including 39 health-based violations. 27 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Preble County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1989. 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 East Fork Whitewater River.
Where does New Paris's water come from?
New Paris's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,669 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include East Fork Whitewater River (river).
What New Paris residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Paris'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.
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 New Paris
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Paris, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BELDEN RICHMOND, IN47374 | Zinc compounds | 1 | 6.0 mi |
BELDEN CDT INC-BEC RICHMOND, IN47374 | — | — | 5.2 mi |
CHAMPION TARGET RICHMOND, IN47374 | — | — | 2.7 mi |
HOLLAND COLOURS AMERICAS INC RICHMOND, IN47374 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
SILGAN WHITE CAP CORP RICHMOND, IN47374 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Preble County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters since 1989. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in New Paris'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. | 1.4 | 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. | 124.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Paris compares by contaminant
Explore where New Paris ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Paris's water comes from
New Paris'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 2,669 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near New Paris
New Paris is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Paris
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW PARIS VILLAGE PWS | OH6800912 | 1,681 | GW |
| NEW MADISON VILLAGE PWS | OH1900912 | 892 | GW |
| FOUNDATIONS | OH6800212 | 96 | GW |
How New Paris compares
Full Ohio rankings →New Paris's score of 52.8/100 is below the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About New Paris, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Paris's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Preble
Frequently asked questions
Is New Paris, OH tap water safe to drink?
New Paris's water quality earned a grade of D+ (52.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #479 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in New Paris's water?
Lead was measured at 1.4 ppb (90th percentile). 136 violations are on record.
How is New Paris'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 New Paris?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Paris's water come from?
New Paris's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,669 residents.
What health violations has New Paris's water system had?
New Paris has 39 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 27 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Paris's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Paris 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 136 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 New Paris's water compare to other cities?
New Paris ranks #479 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 6% of state cities) and #12739 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.