Is West Liberty, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.7/100
West Liberty, OH — Water Quality Report
West Liberty's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,800 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.1 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 15 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about West Liberty's water
West Liberty ranks #229 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
West Liberty 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, West Liberty may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is West Liberty, OH water safe to drink?
West Liberty's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for West Liberty
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West Liberty's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.7/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
1 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for West Liberty's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
West Liberty's water system has 15 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does West Liberty's water come from?
West Liberty's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Short Creek Near Dillonvale (river), Ohio R (river), Wheeling Creek (river), Ohio River (river).
What West Liberty residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in West Liberty'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 West Liberty
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near West Liberty, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BELLETECH BELLEFONTAINE, OH43311 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
AGC AUTOMOTIVE AMERICAS CO. BELLEFONTAINE, OH43311 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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. | 2.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how West Liberty compares by contaminant
Explore where West Liberty ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where West Liberty's water comes from
West Liberty'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 1,800 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near West Liberty
West Liberty is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving West Liberty
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST LIBERTY VILLAGE PWS | OH4602412 | 1,800 | GW |
How West Liberty compares
Full Ohio rankings →West Liberty's score of 81.7/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Ohio rankings →About West Liberty, OH
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to West Liberty's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Logan
Frequently asked questions
Is West Liberty, OH tap water safe to drink?
West Liberty's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #229 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in West Liberty's water?
Lead was measured at 2.1 ppb (90th percentile). 15 violations are on record.
How is West Liberty'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 West Liberty?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does West Liberty's water come from?
West Liberty's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,800 residents.
What health violations has West Liberty's water system had?
West Liberty has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is West Liberty's groundwater at risk of contamination?
West Liberty 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 15 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 West Liberty's water compare to other cities?
West Liberty ranks #229 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 55% of state cities) and #7357 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does West Liberty's small water system affect quality?
West Liberty's system serves approximately 1,800 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 15 violations on record.