Is New Waterford, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
64.6/100
waterverge.com New Waterford, OH — Water Quality Report
New Waterford's drinking water received a grade of C (64.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,071 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 16.4 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 129 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Waterford's water
New Waterford ranks #446 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, New Waterford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Waterford, OH water safe to drink?
New Waterford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (64.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,071 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for New Waterford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Waterford's water quality assessment. Grade: C (64.6/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4360). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 New Waterford's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
New Waterford's water system has 129 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Columbiana County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1980. 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 Cherry Valley Run At Leetonia.
Where does New Waterford's water come from?
New Waterford's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,071 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Cherry Valley Run At Leetonia (river).
What New Waterford residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Waterford'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
New Waterford'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 New Waterford
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Waterford, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALBCO FOUNDRY INC LISBON, OH44432 | Lead compounds | 0 | 9.6 mi |
COLUMBIANA FOUNDRY CO COLUMBIANA, OH44408 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
COL PUMP CO COLUMBIANA, OH44408 | — | — | 4.4 mi |
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION-ELKTON LISBON, OH44432 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
QC LLC NORTH LIMA, OH44452 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Columbiana County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1980. 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 Waterford'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. | 16.4 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| 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. | 137.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 159.000 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how New Waterford compares by contaminant
Explore where New Waterford ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Waterford's water comes from
New Waterford'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 3,071 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near New Waterford
New Waterford is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving New Waterford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEETONIA VILLAGE PWS | OH1501412 | 1,833 | SWP |
| NEW WATERFORD VILLAGE PWS | OH1501722 | 1,238 | GW |
How New Waterford compares
Full Ohio rankings →New Waterford's score of 64.6/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 5 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About New Waterford, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Waterford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Columbiana
Frequently asked questions
Is New Waterford, OH tap water safe to drink?
New Waterford's water quality earned a grade of C (64.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #446 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in New Waterford's water?
Lead was measured at 16.4 ppb (90th percentile). 129 violations are on record.
How is New Waterford'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 Waterford?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Waterford's water come from?
New Waterford's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,071 residents.
What health violations has New Waterford's water system had?
New Waterford has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does New Waterford's water compare to other cities?
New Waterford ranks #446 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 13% of state cities) and #11637 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.