C49/100
Cortland Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 7,105 residents · Ohio
What's In Cortland's Tap Water?
32
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
0
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 150.00 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
EPA Violation History
2
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
TIER 2Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
When: June 25, 2022 – November 8, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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
CORTLAND CITY PWS
Population Served
7,105
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
OH7800512
Frequently Asked Questions About Cortland Water
Is Cortland tap water safe to drink?
Cortland, Ohio tap water receives a grade of C (49/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 39 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Cortland's water?
Of the 32 contaminants tested in Cortland's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Cortland have any water quality violations?
Yes, Cortland has 39 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include Other, TT, MR. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Cortland?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Cortland is recommended. 1 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 Cortland's tap water come from?
Cortland's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CORTLAND CITY PWS. The system serves approximately 7,105 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Cortland'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. Cortland'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 Cortland's water compare to other cities in Ohio?
Cortland's water quality score of 49/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Ohio state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Cortland's water quality?
If you have concerns about Cortland'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 (CORTLAND CITY PWS) 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.