Is Thornville, 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 ↓
80.2/100
waterverge.com Thornville, OH — Water Quality Report
Thornville's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,181 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 82 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Thornville's water
Thornville ranks #266 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Thornville 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, Thornville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Thornville, OH water safe to drink?
Thornville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,181 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Thornville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Thornville's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4424). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4360). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Thornville'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
Thornville's water system has 82 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Perry County has experienced 4 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 South Fork Licking River Near Buckeye Lake, South Fork Licking River Near Hebron, South Fork Licking River At Heath, Buckeye Lake Near Watkins Island.
Where does Thornville's water come from?
Thornville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,181 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include South Fork Licking River Near Buckeye Lake (river), South Fork Licking River Near Hebron (river), South Fork Licking River At Heath (river), Buckeye Lake Near Watkins Island (lake).
What Thornville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Thornville'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.
Thornville'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 Thornville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Thornville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 60 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KAISER ALUMINUM FABRICATED PRODUCTS LLC. HEATH, OH43056 | Zinc compounds | 59 | 8.4 mi |
AMPACET CORP HEATH, OH43056 | Zinc compounds | 1 | 8.0 mi |
MARATHON PIPE LINE - HEATH TERMINAL HEATH, OH43056 | Polycyclic aromatic compounds | 0 | 9.3 mi |
COVESTRO NEWARK COMPOUNDING FACILITY HEBRON, OH43025 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
STATE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS HEBRON, OH43025 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Perry County has experienced 4 federally declared disasters since 1968. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Thornville'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. | 104.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 599.000 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Thornville compares by contaminant
Explore where Thornville ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Thornville's water comes from
Thornville'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 1,181 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Thornville
Thornville is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Thornville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| THORNVILLE, VILLAGE OF | OH6401212 | 991 | GW |
| COUNTRY LANE GARDENS HC | OH2300712 | 190 | GW |
How Thornville compares
Full Ohio rankings →Thornville's score of 80.2/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Thornville, OH
Wikipedia →Thornville is a village in Perry County, Ohio, United States. It is 20 miles (32 km) north of the county seat of New Lexington. The village had a population of 1,087 as of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Thornville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Perry
Frequently asked questions
Is Thornville, OH tap water safe to drink?
Thornville's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #266 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Thornville's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 82 violations are on record.
How is Thornville'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 Thornville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Thornville's water come from?
Thornville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,181 residents.
Is Thornville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Thornville 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 82 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 Thornville's water compare to other cities?
Thornville ranks #266 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 48% of state cities) and #7979 out of 15744 cities nationally (49th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.