Is Pandora, 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 ↓
90.4/100
waterverge.com Pandora, OH — Water Quality Report
Pandora's drinking water received a grade of A (90.4 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,204 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 19 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pandora's water
Pandora ranks #28 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Pandora 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, Pandora may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pandora, OH water safe to drink?
Pandora's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A (90.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,204 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pandora
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pandora's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90.4/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
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 Pandora's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pandora's water system has 19 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Putnam County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. 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 Blanchard River At Gilboa, Riley Creek Below Pandora, Blanchard River At Ottawa.
Where does Pandora's water come from?
Pandora's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,204 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Blanchard River At Gilboa (river), Riley Creek Below Pandora (river), Blanchard River At Ottawa (river).
What Pandora residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pandora'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 Pandora
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Pandora, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SUMIRIKO OHIO INC BLUFFTON, OH45817 | — | — | 4.7 mi |
TOWER AUTOMOTIVE OPERATIONS USA 1 LLC BLUFFTON, OH45817 | — | — | 5.1 mi |
PRODUCTION PRODUCTS INC. COLUMBUS GROVE, OH45830 | — | — | 5.8 mi |
STEEL TECHNOLOGIES LLC OTTAWA, OH45875 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
WHIRLPOOL CORP - OTTAWA OTTAWA, OH45875 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Putnam County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pandora compares by contaminant
Explore where Pandora ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pandora's water comes from
Pandora'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 1,204 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pandora
Pandora is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pandora
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PANDORA VILLAGE | OH6900912 | 1,204 | GW |
How Pandora compares
Full Ohio rankings →Pandora's score of 90.4/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Pandora, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pandora's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Putnam
Frequently asked questions
Is Pandora, OH tap water safe to drink?
Pandora's water quality earned a grade of A (90.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #28 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Pandora's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 19 violations are on record.
How is Pandora'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 Pandora?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pandora's water come from?
Pandora's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,204 residents.
Is Pandora's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pandora 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 19 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 Pandora's water compare to other cities?
Pandora ranks #28 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 95% of state cities) and #2245 out of 15744 cities nationally (86th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pandora's small water system affect quality?
Pandora's system serves approximately 1,204 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 19 violations on record.