WaterVerge

Is Ohio City, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

705 residents served 1 water system PWSID: OH8100412
Overall Score
86.4 / 100
Violations
11 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#100 of 511 in Ohio Top 30% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
86.4/100
waterverge.com
A- 86.4/100

Ohio City, OH — Water Quality Report

Ohio City's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 705 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.5 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 30 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Ohio City's water

Ohio City ranks #100 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
86.4 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
39.4/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
20/20
A
Lead at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Ohio City, OH water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Ohio City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 705 residents using groundwater (wells).

11
Active Violations
1.5 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Ohio City

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ohio City's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.4/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING DUE TO THE REMNANTS OF HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4098). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

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 Ohio City's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.5 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Ohio City's water system has 30 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MONOtherMR
Most recent violations:
Aug 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2022 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Nov 2021 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2020 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2020 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

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 Baldwin Creek At Strongsville, Abram Creek At Brook Park, Abram Creek At Kolthoff Drive At Brook Park, Cuyahoga River At Independence, Mill Creek At Garfield Pkwy At Garfield Heights.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING DUE TO THE REMNANTS OF HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-4098
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3250
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-831

Where does Ohio City's water come from?

Ohio City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 705 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Baldwin Creek At Strongsville (river), Abram Creek At Brook Park (river), Abram Creek At Kolthoff Drive At Brook Park (river), Cuyahoga River At Independence (river), Mill Creek At Garfield Pkwy At Garfield Heights (river).

What Ohio City residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ohio City's water.

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Ohio City'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.5 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 10% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

30
Total violations
0
Health-based
11
Active / unresolved
Aug 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

30 Total
11 Active
0 Health-based
19 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Consumer Confidence Rule
8
Inorganic Chemicals
7
Total Coliform Rule
3
Nitrate Rule
3
Revised Total Coliform Rule
2
Jan 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Nov 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Nov 2018 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Nov 2017 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Dec 2009 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2002 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2001 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Aug 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Aug 2025
Sep 2017 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Sep 2017
Oct 2015 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2015
Oct 2015 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2016
Oct 2015 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2016
Mar 2007 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2007
Jul 2004 Resolved
CYANIDE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2004
Nov 1999 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 1999
Jul 1995 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 1995
Showing 20 of 30 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Ohio City

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ohio City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 5 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
DANFOSS POWER SOLUTIONS - VAN WERT
Fabricated Metals · DANFOSS POWER SOLUTIONS (US) CO
VAN WERT, OH45891
Zinc compounds57.3 mi
FEDERAL MOGUL CORP
Miscellaneous Manufacturing · TENNECO INC
VAN WERT, OH45891
7.3 mi
TEIJIN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES - VAN WERT
Chemicals · TEIJIN AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGIES INC
VAN WERT, OH45891
5.4 mi
COOPER FARMS COOKED MEATS
Food · COOPER HATCHERY INC
VAN WERT, OH45891
9.6 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Jan 2013
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

Jan 2013
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING DUE TO THE REMNANTS OF HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #4098
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3250
Jun 1989
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #831
Sep 1975
WINDS, TORNADOES, HEAVY RAINS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #480
Apr 1973
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #377
Jul 1972
TROPICAL STORM AGNES
Flood FEMA #345

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.5 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.7 ppb from 1993 (3.2 ppb) to 2025 (1.5 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Ohio City compares by contaminant

Explore where Ohio City ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
705
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Ohio City's water comes from

Groundwater

Ohio City'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 705 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Ohio City

Ohio City is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Baldwin Creek At Strongsville
river
Abram Creek At Brook Park
river
Abram Creek At Kolthoff Drive At Brook Park
river
Cuyahoga River At Independence
river
Mill Creek At Garfield Pkwy At Garfield Heights
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Ohio City

System Name PWSID Population Source
OHIO CITY VILLAGE OH8100412 705 GW
Regional Comparison

How Ohio City compares

Full Ohio rankings →

Ohio City's score of 86.4/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Ohio City (this city)
86.4
Columbus
35.5
Cleveland
85.5
Cincinnati
36.8
Toledo
78
Kent
38.2
Ohio avg
58
City Profile

About Ohio City, OH

Wikipedia →

Ohio City is a village in Liberty Township, Van Wert County, Ohio, United States. The population was 651 at the 2020 census. It is included within the Van Wert, Ohio Micropolitan Statistical Area.

Economic Profile
$55,543
Median Income
$87,058
Median Home Value
$840/mo
Median Rent
1.1%
Unemployment
Community
39.2
Median Age
538
People / sq mi
7%
College Educated
84.6%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Ohio City, OH tap water safe to drink?

Ohio City's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #100 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.

What contaminants are in Ohio City's water?

Lead was measured at 1.5 ppb (90th percentile). 30 violations are on record.

How is Ohio City'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 Ohio City?

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

Where does Ohio City's water come from?

Ohio City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 705 residents.

Is Ohio City's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Ohio City 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 30 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 Ohio City's water compare to other cities?

Ohio City ranks #100 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 80% of state cities) and #4739 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Ohio City's small water system affect quality?

Ohio City's system serves approximately 705 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 30 violations on record.