Is West Unity, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper, Strontium and 1 more were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
79.1/100
waterverge.com West Unity, OH — Water Quality Report
West Unity's drinking water received a grade of B (79.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,760 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 12 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about West Unity's water
West Unity ranks #289 out of 511 cities in Ohio for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
West Unity 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 Unity may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is West Unity, OH water safe to drink?
West Unity's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,760 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for West Unity
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into West Unity's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3250). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-1122). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for West Unity'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
West Unity's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Williams County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1982. 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 E Br St Joseph R, Tiffin River At Stryker.
Where does West Unity's water come from?
West Unity's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,760 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include E Br St Joseph R (river), Tiffin River At Stryker (river).
What West Unity residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in West Unity'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.
West Unity'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 West Unity
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near West Unity, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 31 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WIELAND CHASE MONTPELIER, OH43543 | Zinc compounds | 22 | 9.5 mi |
SANOH AMERICA INC. ARCHBOLD ARCHBOLD, OH43502 | Zinc compounds | 9 | 8.8 mi |
SAUDER ARCHBOLD, OH43502 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
ALLIED MOULDED PRODUCTS INC. - PLANT 1 BRYAN, OH43506 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
OHIO ART CO BRYAN, OH43506 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Williams County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1982. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in West Unity'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. | 1.8 | 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. | 233.50 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 233.500 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how West Unity compares by contaminant
Explore where West Unity ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where West Unity's water comes from
West Unity'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 1,760 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near West Unity
West Unity is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving West Unity
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST UNITY VILLAGE | OH8601812 | 1,760 | GW |
How West Unity compares
Full Ohio rankings →West Unity's score of 79.1/100 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 Unity, OH
Wikipedia →West Unity is a village in Williams County, Ohio, United States. The population was 1,763 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to West Unity's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Williams
Frequently asked questions
Is West Unity, OH tap water safe to drink?
West Unity's water quality earned a grade of B (79.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #289 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.
What contaminants are in West Unity's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.
How is West Unity'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 Unity?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does West Unity's water come from?
West Unity's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,760 residents.
Is West Unity's groundwater at risk of contamination?
West Unity 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 12 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 Unity's water compare to other cities?
West Unity ranks #289 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 43% of state cities) and #8386 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does West Unity's small water system affect quality?
West Unity's system serves approximately 1,760 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 12 violations on record.