Is Rayland, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
43.5/100
waterverge.com Rayland, OH — Water Quality Report
Rayland's drinking water received a grade of F (43.5 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 898 residents using purchased ground water.
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 54 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rayland's water
Rayland ranks #495 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Rayland purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Rayland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 20 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rayland, OH water safe to drink?
Rayland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 898 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rayland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rayland's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4424). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4360). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Rayland'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
Rayland's water system has 54 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 20 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jefferson County has experienced 8 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 Short Creek Near Dillonvale, Ohio R, Wheeling Creek Below Blaine, Wheeling Creek, Ohio River.
Where does Rayland's water come from?
Rayland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 898 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Short Creek Near Dillonvale (river), Ohio R (river), Wheeling Creek Below Blaine (river), Wheeling Creek (river), Ohio River (river).
What Rayland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rayland'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.
Rayland'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 Rayland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rayland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 90,942 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARDINAL PLANT BRILLIANT, OH43913 | Barium compounds (except for barium sulfate (CAS No. 7727-43-7)) | 90,756 | 5.1 mi |
JSW STEEL USA OHIO INC. MINGO JUNCTION, OH43938 | Zinc compounds | 185 | 9.9 mi |
TURF CARE SUPPLY LLC. MARTINS FERRY, OH43935 | 2,4-D | 1 | 3.4 mi |
AES INDUSTRIES INC WHEELING, WV26003 | Copper | 0 | 7.4 mi |
SAFETY-KLEEN SYSTEMS WHEELING (WHE) WHEELING, WV26003 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Jefferson County has experienced 8 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 Rayland'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.66 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rayland compares by contaminant
Explore where Rayland ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rayland's water comes from
Rayland purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Rayland's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 898 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Rayland
Rayland is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rayland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WARREN WATER AUTHORITY | OH4102903 | 481 | GWP |
| RAYLAND VILLAGE PWS | OH4101803 | 417 | GWP |
How Rayland compares
Full Ohio rankings →Rayland's score of 43.5/100 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 Rayland, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rayland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Rayland, OH tap water safe to drink?
Rayland's water quality earned a grade of F (43.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #495 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Rayland's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 54 violations are on record.
How is Rayland'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 Rayland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rayland's water come from?
Rayland's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 898 residents.
What health violations has Rayland's water system had?
Rayland has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 25 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rayland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rayland 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 54 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 Rayland's water compare to other cities?
Rayland ranks #495 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 3% of state cities) and #14571 out of 15744 cities nationally (8th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.