Is Wakeman, 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 ↓
83.5/100
waterverge.com Wakeman, OH — Water Quality Report
Wakeman's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,047 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 43 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wakeman's water
Wakeman ranks #174 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, Wakeman may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wakeman, OH water safe to drink?
Wakeman's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,047 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Wakeman
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wakeman's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.5/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Wakeman'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
Wakeman's water system has 43 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Huron 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 Old Woman Creek At Berlin Rd Near Huron, Vermilion River Near Vermilion.
Where does Wakeman's water come from?
Wakeman's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,047 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Old Woman Creek At Berlin Rd Near Huron (river), Vermilion River Near Vermilion (river).
What Wakeman residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wakeman'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 Wakeman
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wakeman, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
M. A. HARRISON MANUFACTURING CO INC WAKEMAN, OH44889 | Copper | 1 | 5.5 mi |
CONCAST METAL PRODUCTS CO BIRMINGHAM, OH44816 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Huron 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 Wakeman'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. | 139.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 139.000 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Wakeman compares by contaminant
Explore where Wakeman ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wakeman's water comes from
Wakeman'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 1,047 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wakeman
Wakeman 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 Wakeman
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAKEMAN VILLAGE PWS | OH3901411 | 1,047 | SWP |
How Wakeman compares
Full Ohio rankings →Wakeman's score of 83.5/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About Wakeman, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wakeman's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Huron
Frequently asked questions
Is Wakeman, OH tap water safe to drink?
Wakeman's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #174 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in Wakeman's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 43 violations are on record.
How is Wakeman'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 Wakeman?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wakeman's water come from?
Wakeman's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,047 residents.
What health violations has Wakeman's water system had?
Wakeman has 21 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
How does Wakeman's water compare to other cities?
Wakeman ranks #174 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 66% of state cities) and #6413 out of 15744 cities nationally (59th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wakeman's small water system affect quality?
Wakeman's system serves approximately 1,047 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 43 violations on record.