Is Rio Grande, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.3/100
waterverge.com Rio Grande, OH — Water Quality Report
Rio Grande's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 830 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 48 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rio Grande's water
Rio Grande ranks #179 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Rio Grande 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, Rio Grande may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rio Grande, OH water safe to drink?
Rio Grande's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 830 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rio Grande
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rio Grande's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.3/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: 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 Rio Grande's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rio Grande's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Gallia County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1968. 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 Raccoon Creek At Adamsville.
Where does Rio Grande's water come from?
Rio Grande's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 830 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Raccoon Creek At Adamsville (river).
What Rio Grande residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rio Grande'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.
Rio Grande'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtGallia County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Gallia County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1968. 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. | 3.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rio Grande compares by contaminant
Explore where Rio Grande ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rio Grande's water comes from
Rio Grande 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 Rio Grande'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 830 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rio Grande
Rio Grande is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rio Grande
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIO GRANDE | OH2700316 | 830 | GWP |
How Rio Grande compares
Full Ohio rankings →Rio Grande's score of 83.3/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Rio Grande, OH
Wikipedia →Rio Grande is a village in Gallia County, Ohio, United States. The population was 724 at the 2020 census. It is part of the rural Point Pleasant micropolitan area. Although the town is named after the river in the southern United States, its name is pronounced "Rye-O Grand" rather than the traditional Spanish pronunciation.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rio Grande's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Gallia
Frequently asked questions
Is Rio Grande, OH tap water safe to drink?
Rio Grande's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #179 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Rio Grande's water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Rio Grande'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 Rio Grande?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rio Grande's water come from?
Rio Grande's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 830 residents.
What health violations has Rio Grande's water system had?
Rio Grande has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Rio Grande's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rio Grande 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 48 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 Rio Grande's water compare to other cities?
Rio Grande ranks #179 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 65% of state cities) and #6509 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rio Grande's small water system affect quality?
Rio Grande's system serves approximately 830 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 48 violations on record.