Is Scio, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 14 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.4/100
waterverge.com Scio, OH — Water Quality Report
Scio's drinking water received a grade of B (79.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 763 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 120 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved.
What to know about Scio's water
Scio ranks #283 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Scio 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, Scio may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Scio, OH water safe to drink?
Scio's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 763 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Scio
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Scio's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.4/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4360). Flood 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 Scio's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Scio's water system has 120 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 14 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Harrison County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters 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 Mcguire Creek Above Leesville Lake, North Fork Mcguire Creek Near Carrollton, Bear Hole Run Near Carrollton, Leesville Lake Near Leesville, Mcguire Creek Near Leesville.
Where does Scio's water come from?
Scio's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 763 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mcguire Creek Above Leesville Lake (river), North Fork Mcguire Creek Near Carrollton (river), Bear Hole Run Near Carrollton (river), Leesville Lake Near Leesville (lake), Mcguire Creek Near Leesville (river).
What Scio residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Scio'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 Scio
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Scio, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
UTICA CONDENSATE STABILIZATION FACILITY (0634005057) CADIZ, OH43907 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
HOPEDALE FRACTIONATING FACILITY JEWETT, OH43986 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
WILLIAMS HARRISON HUB FRACTIONATION PLANT (0634005028) SCIO, OH43988 | — | — | 1.2 mi |
BOWERSTON SHALE CO BOWERSTON, OH44695 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Harrison County has experienced 2 federally declared disasters 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 Scio compares by contaminant
Explore where Scio ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Scio's water comes from
Scio'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 763 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Scio
Scio is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Scio
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCIO PWS | OH3401312 | 763 | GW |
How Scio compares
Full Ohio rankings →Scio's score of 79.4/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Scio, OH
Wikipedia →Scio is a village in North Township, Harrison County, Ohio, United States. The population was 673 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Scio's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Harrison
Frequently asked questions
Is Scio, OH tap water safe to drink?
Scio's water quality earned a grade of B (79.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #283 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Scio's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 120 violations are on record.
How is Scio'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 Scio?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Scio's water come from?
Scio's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 763 residents.
What health violations has Scio's water system had?
Scio has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 14 violations remain unresolved.
Is Scio's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Scio 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 120 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 Scio's water compare to other cities?
Scio ranks #283 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 45% of state cities) and #8279 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Scio's small water system affect quality?
Scio's system serves approximately 763 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 120 violations on record.