WaterVerge

Is Spring Valley, 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 ↓

538 residents served 1 water system PWSID: OH2902422
Overall Score
89.1 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#48 of 511 in Ohio Top 20% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89.1/100
waterverge.com
A- 89.1/100

Spring Valley, OH — Water Quality Report

Spring Valley's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 538 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 31 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Spring Valley's water

Spring Valley ranks #48 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Spring Valley 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, Spring Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89.1 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
43.1/45
A
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Spring Valley, OH water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Spring Valley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (89.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 538 residents using groundwater (wells).

3
Active Violations
1.8 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
3 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Spring Valley

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Spring Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.1/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING

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 Spring Valley's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 1.8 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1120.00 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Spring Valley's water system has 31 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

OtherMR
Most recent violations:
Jul 2012 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jan 2012 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2012 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Dec 2010 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2005 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Greene County has experienced 3 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 Little Miami River Near Oldtown, Massies Creek At Wilberforce, Little Miami River Near Spring Valley, Caesar Creek Lake At Wellman, Caesar Creek Near Wellman.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3250
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-831
HEAVY RAINS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-243

Where does Spring Valley's water come from?

Spring Valley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 538 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Miami River Near Oldtown (river), Massies Creek At Wilberforce (river), Little Miami River Near Spring Valley (river), Caesar Creek Lake At Wellman (lake), Caesar Creek Near Wellman (river).

What Spring Valley residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Spring Valley's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Spring Valley'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
1.8 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 12% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1120.00 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

31
Total violations
0
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Jul 2012
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

31 Total
3 Active
0 Health-based
28 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
13
Inorganic Chemicals
7
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
3
Nitrate Rule
3
Consumer Confidence Rule
1
Jul 2012 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2010 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2012 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Jan 2012 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Jul 2005 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2005
Jan 2004 Resolved
Asbestos
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2004
Jan 1997 Resolved
OXAMYL
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Carbofuran
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
2,4-D
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Benzo(a)pyrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Pentachlorophenol
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Total Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Methoxychlor
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Diquat
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Endothall
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
BHC-GAMMA
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Jan 1997 Resolved
Picloram
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 1997
Showing 20 of 31 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Spring Valley

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Spring Valley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
TWIST INC
Fabricated Metals · NA
XENIA, OH45385
6.7 mi
UNISON INDUSTRIES LLC
Transportation Equipment · GENERAL ELECTRIC CO (GE CO)
BEAVERCREEK, OH45430
9.3 mi
WEST CARROLLTON PAPERS LLC DOMTAR
Paper · DOMTAR CORP
WEST CARROLLTON, OH45449
10.0 mi
DAYTON WHEEL CONCEPTS
Transportation Equipment · NA
DAYTON, OH45459
7.2 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Spring Valley

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

3
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Greene County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1968. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3250
Jun 1989
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #831
Jun 1968
HEAVY RAINS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #243

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Spring Valley's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 1.8 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1120.00 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 1.8 ppb from 1993 (0.0 ppb) to 2025 (1.8 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 1120.000 mg/L (2004)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Contaminant Rankings

See how Spring Valley compares by contaminant

Explore where Spring Valley ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
538
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Spring Valley's water comes from

Groundwater

Spring Valley'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 538 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Spring Valley

Spring Valley is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Little Miami River Near Oldtown
river
Massies Creek At Wilberforce
river
Little Miami River Near Spring Valley
river
Caesar Creek Lake At Wellman
lake
Caesar Creek Near Wellman
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Spring Valley

System Name PWSID Population Source
SPRING VALLEY VILLAGE OH2902422 538 GW
Regional Comparison

How Spring Valley compares

Full Ohio rankings →

Spring Valley's score of 89.1/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Spring Valley (this city)
89.1
Columbus
35.5
Cleveland
85.5
Cincinnati
36.8
Toledo
78
Kent
38.2
Ohio avg
58
City Profile

About Spring Valley, OH

Economic Profile
$67,813
Median Income
$139,386
Median Home Value
$1,138/mo
Median Rent
2%
Unemployment
Community
48.2
Median Age
568
People / sq mi
19.6%
College Educated
82.2%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Spring Valley, OH tap water safe to drink?

Spring Valley's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.1/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #48 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.

What contaminants are in Spring Valley's water?

Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 31 violations are on record.

How is Spring Valley'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 Spring Valley?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Spring Valley's water come from?

Spring Valley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 538 residents.

Is Spring Valley's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Spring Valley 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 31 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 Spring Valley's water compare to other cities?

Spring Valley ranks #48 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 91% of state cities) and #3064 out of 15744 cities nationally (81th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Spring Valley's small water system affect quality?

Spring Valley's system serves approximately 538 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 31 violations on record.