Is Spencer, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
87.3/100
waterverge.com Spencer, OH — Water Quality Report
Spencer's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using purchased surface 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 38 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Spencer's water
Spencer ranks #79 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it above average 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, Spencer may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Spencer, OH water safe to drink?
Spencer's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 800 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Spencer
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Spencer's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Coliform (TCR).
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 Spencer'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
Spencer's water system has 38 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Medina County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster 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 Little Killbuck Creek Near Burbank, Little Killbuck Creek Near Lodi.
Where does Spencer's water come from?
Spencer's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 800 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Little Killbuck Creek Near Burbank (river), Little Killbuck Creek Near Lodi (river).
What Spencer residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Spencer'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 Spencer
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Spencer, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
INSERVCO INC LAGRANGE, OH44050 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
FOREST CITY TECHNOLOGIES PLANT 8 WELLINGTON, OH44090 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
SECTIONAL STAMPING INC. WELLINGTON, OH44090 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
ADVANCE BRONZE INC. LODI, OH44254 | — | — | 6.7 mi |
ASSOCIATED MATERIALS LLC WEST SALEM, OH44287 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Medina County has experienced 1 federally declared disaster since 2005. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Spencer'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. | 135.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 135.000 mg/L (2005)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Spencer compares by contaminant
Explore where Spencer ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Spencer's water comes from
Spencer'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 800 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Spencer
Spencer 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 Spencer
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SPENCER, VILLAGE OF | OH5201611 | 800 | SWP |
How Spencer compares
Full Ohio rankings →Spencer's score of 87.3/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Spencer, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Spencer's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Medina
Frequently asked questions
Is Spencer, OH tap water safe to drink?
Spencer's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #79 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Spencer's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 38 violations are on record.
How is Spencer'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 Spencer?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Spencer's water come from?
Spencer's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 800 residents.
How does Spencer's water compare to other cities?
Spencer ranks #79 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 85% of state cities) and #4159 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Spencer's small water system affect quality?
Spencer's system serves approximately 800 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 38 violations on record.