Is South Amherst, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
83/100
waterverge.com South Amherst, OH — Water Quality Report
South Amherst's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,688 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.6 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 140 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about South Amherst's water
South Amherst ranks #190 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, South Amherst may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is South Amherst, OH water safe to drink?
South Amherst's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,688 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for South Amherst
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into South Amherst's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-831). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for South Amherst'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
South Amherst's water system has 140 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lorain County has experienced 5 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 Vermilion River Near Vermilion, Black River At Elyria.
Where does South Amherst's water come from?
South Amherst's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,688 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Vermilion River Near Vermilion (river), Black River At Elyria (river).
What South Amherst residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in South Amherst'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.
South Amherst'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 South Amherst
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near South Amherst, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,191 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
REAL ALLOY SPECIALTY PRODUCTS LLC ELYRIA, OH44035 | Manganese compounds | 823 | 6.0 mi |
BASF CORP ELYRIA, OH44035 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 333 | 7.1 mi |
ELYRIA FOUNDRY CO LLC ELYRIA, OH44035 | Manganese | 34 | 6.2 mi |
M. A. HARRISON MANUFACTURING CO INC WAKEMAN, OH44889 | Copper | 1 | 7.2 mi |
UNITED INITIATORS INC ELYRIA, OH44035 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Lorain County has experienced 5 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 South Amherst'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. | 1.6 | 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. | 130.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 130.000 mg/L (2005)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how South Amherst compares by contaminant
Explore where South Amherst ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where South Amherst's water comes from
South Amherst'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 1,688 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near South Amherst
South Amherst is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving South Amherst
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH AMHERST VILLAGE PWS | OH4701411 | 1,688 | SWP |
How South Amherst compares
Full Ohio rankings →South Amherst's score of 83/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About South Amherst, OH
Wikipedia →South Amherst is a village in Lorain County, Ohio, United States. The population was 1,581 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to South Amherst's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lorain
Frequently asked questions
Is South Amherst, OH tap water safe to drink?
South Amherst's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #190 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in South Amherst's water?
Lead was measured at 1.6 ppb (90th percentile). 140 violations are on record.
How is South Amherst'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 South Amherst?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does South Amherst's water come from?
South Amherst's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,688 residents.
What health violations has South Amherst's water system had?
South Amherst has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2010. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does South Amherst's water compare to other cities?
South Amherst ranks #190 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 63% of state cities) and #6660 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does South Amherst's small water system affect quality?
South Amherst's system serves approximately 1,688 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 140 violations on record.