Lithium Contamination

Lithium in Ohio Drinking Water

Ranked by max lithium detected (µg/L) · UCMR 5 data (2023–2025) · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

Cities Tested

Detected

100%

% Detected

18.6 µg/L

State Avg

▼ 0% vs national

vs National

398

Health Violations

Analysis

Lithium in Ohio: what the data shows

Ohio has 59 cities with lithium data from the EPA's UCMR 5 program (2023–2025). Lithium was detected in 59 of those cities. There is currently no federal MCL or health advisory for lithium — the state average max detected level is 18.6 µg/L. Nationally, lithium is detected in roughly 28% of sampled water systems. Lithium occurs naturally in groundwater, particularly in arid western states, and is concentrated in some surface waters near industrial discharge or geothermal sources. UCMR 5 added lithium monitoring in 2023, providing the first systematic national snapshot of public-water lithium levels. At therapeutic doses (administered as a medication), lithium is used to treat bipolar disorder. Chronic low-dose exposure from drinking water has been associated in some studies with effects on thyroid function and possibly mood. The most protective state guidance value is around 60 µg/L. Reverse osmosis and ion exchange are effective removal methods.

Comparison

Cities exceeding No federal MCL or HA

Ohio

100%

59 of 59 cities

← = Exactly at national rate

National avg

100%

2808 of 2808 cities

City Map

Lithium data across Ohio

Each dot is a city with UCMR 5 lithium testing data. Detected cities are shown — there is no federal limit, though some states use 60 µg/L as a screening level. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by lithium level in Ohio

Highest Lithium levels (µg/L)

All Cities

All Ohio cities ranked by lithium level

#	City	Level	Detected?	Violations	Grade
1	Coldwater	49.0 µg/L	Detected	1	A-
2	Ada	45.8 µg/L	Detected	2	B-
3	Kenton	44.1 µg/L	Detected	2	B
4	Columbia Station	41.2 µg/L	Detected	0	A-
5	Mt Gilead	37.0 µg/L	Detected	2	B
6	Cortland	35.8 µg/L	Detected	1	B+
7	Byesville	30.7 µg/L	Detected	79	D
8	Hudson	27.3 µg/L	Detected	1	B-
9	Columbus	27.0 µg/L	Detected	56	F
10	Rittman	27.0 µg/L	Detected	12	B
11	Hicksville	26.3 µg/L	Detected	2	B
12	Pataskala	26.0 µg/L	Detected	4	B+
13	Chagrin Falls	25.0 µg/L	Detected	1	C
14	Wellston	25.0 µg/L	Detected	18	B
15	Crestline	24.0 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
16	Fredricktown	23.8 µg/L	Detected	2	C+
17	St Marys	21.2 µg/L	Detected	1	B
18	Blacklick	20.1 µg/L	Detected	1	A-
19	Lancaster	20.0 µg/L	Detected	6	B+
20	Columbus Grove	20.0 µg/L	Detected	5	B
21	Marion	19.4 µg/L	Detected	9	B-
22	New Bremen	19.0 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
23	Bryan	18.1 µg/L	Detected	1	B+
24	Johnstown	18.0 µg/L	Detected	2	B+
25	Wapakoneta	17.0 µg/L	Detected	7	B
26	Delaware	15.4 µg/L	Detected	5	B
27	Lagrange	15.4 µg/L	Detected	10	C
28	Nelsonville	15.0 µg/L	Detected	23	D
29	Commercial Point	14.8 µg/L	Detected	0	A
30	Canton	14.7 µg/L	Detected	2	B-
31	Circleville	14.3 µg/L	Detected	5	B
32	Ontario	14.3 µg/L	Detected	0	A-
33	Fremont	14.0 µg/L	Detected	44	B-
34	Andover	14.0 µg/L	Detected	0	B-
35	Chardon	13.9 µg/L	Detected	25	F
36	Marysville	13.4 µg/L	Detected	16	B+
37	Navarre	13.0 µg/L	Detected	8	C+
38	Ashland	12.5 µg/L	Detected	2	B+
39	Ravenna	12.0 µg/L	Detected	3	C
40	Athens	11.9 µg/L	Detected	4	B+
41	Ottawa	11.9 µg/L	Detected	14	C+
42	Massillon	11.4 µg/L	Detected	13	D+
43	Canal Fulton	11.3 µg/L	Detected	4	B
44	Yellow Springs	11.3 µg/L	Detected	1	B+
45	Cincinnati	11.1 µg/L	Detected	10	F
46	Berea	11.0 µg/L	Detected	1	B+
47	Columbiana	11.0 µg/L	Detected	2	B
48	Ashville	11.0 µg/L	Detected	2	B
49	Bluffton	11.0 µg/L	Detected	19	B+
50	Montpelier	10.6 µg/L	Detected	1	B+
51	Cuyahoga Falls	10.4 µg/L	Detected	3	B-
52	N Canton	10.4 µg/L	Detected	0	A-
53	Little Hocking	10.0 µg/L	Detected	0	B+
54	Cambridge	9.7 µg/L	Detected	86	C-
55	Gallipolis	9.7 µg/L	Detected	3	B
56	Westerville	9.4 µg/L	Detected	18	C+
57	Swanton	9.2 µg/L	Detected	20	A-
58	Groveport	9.2 µg/L	Detected	1	A-
59	Louisville	9.0 µg/L	Detected	9	C

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about lithium in Ohio

Is lithium in Ohio tap water harmful?

Lithium has no federal MCL or health advisory. Some state agencies use 60 µg/L as a screening level. 59 cities in Ohio had detectable lithium in UCMR 5 testing. Therapeutic lithium doses (used to treat bipolar disorder) are far higher than typical drinking-water levels, but chronic low-level exposure has been studied for potential thyroid and mood effects.

Where does lithium in tap water come from?

Lithium occurs naturally in groundwater, especially in arid western states with lithium-bearing geology (parts of Nevada, California, North Carolina, Texas). It can also enter water from industrial sources such as battery manufacturing, ceramics, and lithium-mining wastewater. Geothermal hot springs are another natural source.

How can I remove lithium from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis is highly effective at removing lithium, typically reducing it by 90% or more. Ion exchange systems and distillation also work well. Standard activated carbon filters are NOT effective against lithium. If you rely on a private well in a lithium-rich geological area, consider testing.

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