Is Orwell, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
86/100
waterverge.com Orwell, OH — Water Quality Report
Orwell's drinking water received a grade of A- (86 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,660 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 23 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Orwell's water
Orwell ranks #113 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Orwell 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Orwell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Orwell, OH water safe to drink?
Orwell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (86/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,660 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Orwell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Orwell's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4098). Hurricane 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 Orwell's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Orwell's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Ashtabula County has experienced 4 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 Mosquito Creek Near Greene Center.
Where does Orwell's water come from?
Orwell's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,660 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mosquito Creek Near Greene Center (river).
What Orwell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Orwell'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.
Orwell'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 Orwell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Orwell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 8 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
REAL ALLOY SPECIALITY PRODUCTS LLC ROCK CREEK, OH44084 | Manganese compounds | 8 | 8.5 mi |
CABINETWORKS GROUP MIDDLEFIELD PLANT 3 ORWELL, OH44076 | — | — | 0.6 mi |
WELDED TUBES INC. ORWELL, OH44076 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Orwell
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- NEW LYME LANDFILL7.5 mi
- OLD MILL8.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Ashtabula County has experienced 4 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 Orwell'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. | 8.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Orwell compares by contaminant
Explore where Orwell ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Orwell's water comes from
Orwell'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 1,660 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Orwell
Orwell is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Orwell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORWELL VILLAGE PWS | OH0401012 | 1,660 | GW |
How Orwell compares
Full Ohio rankings →Orwell's score of 86/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Orwell, OH
Wikipedia →Eric Arthur Blair was an English novelist, poet, essayist, journalist, and critic who wrote under the pen name of George Orwell. His work is characterised by lucid prose, social criticism, opposition to all totalitarianism, and support of democratic socialism.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Orwell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ashtabula
Frequently asked questions
Is Orwell, OH tap water safe to drink?
Orwell's water quality earned a grade of A- (86/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #113 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Orwell's water?
Lead was measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Orwell'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 Orwell?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Orwell's water come from?
Orwell's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,660 residents.
What health violations has Orwell's water system had?
Orwell has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Orwell's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Orwell 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 23 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 Orwell's water compare to other cities?
Orwell ranks #113 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 78% of state cities) and #4992 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Orwell's small water system affect quality?
Orwell's system serves approximately 1,660 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 23 violations on record.