WaterVerge

Is Williamsburg, 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 ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: OH1301411
Overall Score
83.6 / 100
Violations
5 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#172 of 511 in Ohio Top 40% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
83.6/100
waterverge.com
B+ 83.6/100

Williamsburg, OH — Water Quality Report

Williamsburg's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,490 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 40 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Williamsburg's water

Williamsburg ranks #172 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, Williamsburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
83.6 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
38.6/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Williamsburg, OH water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Williamsburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,490 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

5
Active Violations
2.6 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
4 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Williamsburg

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Williamsburg's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.6/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION

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

Disaster
FLOODING

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 Williamsburg's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.6 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 61.50 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

Williamsburg's water system has 40 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMCLMRTT
Most recent violations:
Dec 2022 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Apr 2021 TTHM Resolved
Jan 2020 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Nov 2018 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2005 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Clermont 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 White Oak Creek Above Georgetown, East Fork Little Miami River At Williamsburg, East Fork Lake Near Bantam, E Fk Little Miami River Bl Harsha Dam Nr Bantam.

HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA DR-3250
FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1122
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-1097

Where does Williamsburg's water come from?

Williamsburg's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,490 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include White Oak Creek Above Georgetown (river), East Fork Little Miami River At Williamsburg (river), East Fork Lake Near Bantam (lake), E Fk Little Miami River Bl Harsha Dam Nr Bantam (river).

What Williamsburg residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Williamsburg'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
2.6 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 17% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
61.50 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

40
Total violations
6
Health-based
5
Active / unresolved
Dec 2022
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

40 Total
5 Active
6 Health-based
35 Resolved
1 SNC
Violations by category
Inorganic Chemicals
12
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
9
Total Coliform Rule
4
Consumer Confidence Rule
3
Surface Water Treatment Rule
3
Dec 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Nov 2018 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 1996 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Apr 2021 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
SNC Health Resolved Jun 2021
Jul 2005 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2005
Jul 2005 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2005
Oct 2004 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2004
May 1999 Resolved
Atrazine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 1999
May 1999 Resolved
LASSO
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 1999
May 1999 Resolved
Simazine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jul 1999
Feb 1994 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Feb 1994
Jan 1994 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 1994
Dec 1993 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 1993
Jul 1993 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 1993
Jul 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 1992
Jul 1992 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Jul 1992
Jan 1991 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 1992
Jan 1991 Resolved
Chromium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jan 1992
Showing 20 of 40 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Williamsburg

Industrial polluters nearby

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
FEDERAL EAGLE LLC
Transportation Equipment · JB POINDEXTER & CO INC
AMELIA, OH45102
7.3 mi
CINCHEMPRO LLC
Chemicals · EJVESTCO INDUSTRIES
BATAVIA, OH45103
7.5 mi
AMERICAN MICRO PRODUCTS INC.
Fabricated Metals · NA
BATAVIA, OH45103
9.2 mi
CLERMONT STEEL FABRICATORS INC
Fabricated Metals · NA
BATAVIA, OH45103
4.1 mi
BIG TEX TRAILER MANUFACTURING LLC
Transportation Equipment · BCD PARENT INC
BATAVIA, OH45103
4.2 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

4
Declared disasters
Sep 2005
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Clermont 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.

Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA EVACUATION
Hurricane FEMA #3250
Jun 1996
FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1122
Jan 1996
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1097
Jun 1968
HEAVY RAINS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #243

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Williamsburg'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) 2.6 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 61.50 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 decreased by 17.4 ppb from 1993 (20.0 ppb) to 2025 (2.6 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 61.500 mg/L (2005)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Contaminant Rankings

See how Williamsburg compares by contaminant

Explore where Williamsburg ranks among all Ohio cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,490
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Williamsburg's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Williamsburg'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 2,490 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Williamsburg

Williamsburg is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

White Oak Creek Above Georgetown
river
East Fork Little Miami River At Williamsburg
river
East Fork Lake Near Bantam
lake
E Fk Little Miami River Bl Harsha Dam Nr Bantam
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Williamsburg

System Name PWSID Population Source
WILLIAMSBURG VILLAGE PWS OH1301411 2,490 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Williamsburg compares

Full Ohio rankings →

Williamsburg's score of 83.6/100 is above the average of 58/100 among major Ohio cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Williamsburg (this city)
83.6
Columbus
35.5
Cleveland
85.5
Cincinnati
36.8
Toledo
78
Kent
38.2
Ohio avg
58
City Profile

About Williamsburg, OH

Economic Profile
$58,500
Median Income
$142,307
Median Home Value
$782/mo
Median Rent
3.3%
Unemployment
Community
35.4
Median Age
390
People / sq mi
8.9%
College Educated
60.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Williamsburg, OH tap water safe to drink?

Williamsburg's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #172 out of 511 cities tested in Ohio.

What contaminants are in Williamsburg's water?

Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 40 violations are on record.

How is Williamsburg'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 Williamsburg?

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

Where does Williamsburg's water come from?

Williamsburg's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,490 residents.

What health violations has Williamsburg's water system had?

Williamsburg has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.

How does Williamsburg's water compare to other cities?

Williamsburg ranks #172 out of 511 cities in Ohio (better than 66% of state cities) and #6331 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Williamsburg's small water system affect quality?

Williamsburg's system serves approximately 2,490 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 40 violations on record.