Is Rock Creek, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
56/100
waterverge.com Rock Creek, OH — Water Quality Report
Rock Creek's drinking water received a grade of C- (56 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 667 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.6 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 107 violations on record, including 32 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rock Creek's water
Rock Creek ranks #474 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Rock Creek may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rock Creek, OH water safe to drink?
Rock Creek's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (56/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 667 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Rock Creek
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rock Creek's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (56/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Lead and Copper Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Rock Creek'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
Rock Creek's water system has 107 total violations on record, including 32 health-based violations. 18 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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.
Where does Rock Creek's water come from?
Rock Creek's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 667 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Rock Creek residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rock Creek'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.
Rock Creek'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 Rock Creek
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rock Creek, 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 | 0.5 mi |
PRESRITE CORP JEFFERSON DIV JEFFERSON, OH44047 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
WORTHINGTON CYLINDER CORP JEFFERSON, OH44047 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
LAKE CITY PLATING JEFFERSON, OH44047 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
CABINETWORKS GROUP MIDDLEFIELD PLANT 3 ORWELL, OH44076 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Rock Creek
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.
- OLD MILL0.5 mi
- NEW LYME LANDFILL8.3 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 Rock Creek'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. | 0.6 | 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. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rock Creek compares by contaminant
Explore where Rock Creek ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rock Creek's water comes from
Rock Creek's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 667 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Rock Creek
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROCK CREEK VILLAGE | OH0401111 | 667 | SWP |
How Rock Creek compares
Full Ohio rankings →Rock Creek's score of 56/100 is on par with 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 Rock Creek, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rock Creek's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Ashtabula
Frequently asked questions
Is Rock Creek, OH tap water safe to drink?
Rock Creek's water quality earned a grade of C- (56/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #474 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Rock Creek's water?
Lead was measured at 0.6 ppb (90th percentile). 107 violations are on record.
How is Rock Creek'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 Rock Creek?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rock Creek's water come from?
Rock Creek's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 667 residents.
What health violations has Rock Creek's water system had?
Rock Creek has 32 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
How does Rock Creek's water compare to other cities?
Rock Creek ranks #474 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 7% of state cities) and #12497 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rock Creek's small water system affect quality?
Rock Creek's system serves approximately 667 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 107 violations on record.