D35/100
Columbus Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 1,336,020 residents · Ohio
What's In Columbus's Tap Water?
77
Contaminants Tested
2
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
3 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 58.70 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
PFOA | 0.005 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.001 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2016.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
SANITARY DISTRICT #4
Population Served
8,575
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
OH2501003
TIMBERLAKE WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
1,600
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
OH2501812
COLUMBUS PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM
Population Served
1,305,946
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
OH2504412
LONDON CITY PWS
Population Served
10,256
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
OH4900712
MID-OHIO WSD WATER DISTRICT 1
Population Served
5,176
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
OH4901012
MID-OHIO WSD PLAIN CITY WTP
Population Served
4,467
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
OH4901112
Frequently Asked Questions About Columbus Water
Is Columbus tap water safe to drink?
Columbus, Ohio tap water receives a grade of D (35/100), which is considered poor. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 191 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Columbus's water?
Of the 77 contaminants tested in Columbus's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), PFOA, Lead (90th percentile). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Columbus have any water quality violations?
Yes, Columbus has 191 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, RPT, TT. 31 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Columbus?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Columbus is recommended. 2 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Columbus's tap water come from?
Columbus's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by SANITARY DISTRICT #4 and 5 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 1,336,020 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Columbus's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Columbus's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Columbus's water compare to other cities in Ohio?
Columbus's water quality score of 35/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Ohio state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Columbus's water quality?
If you have concerns about Columbus's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (SANITARY DISTRICT #4) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.