F0/100
Nelsonville Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 6,656 residents · Ohio
What's In Nelsonville's Tap Water?
31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
11
Violations (last 5yr)
7
Unresolved
8
Health-Related
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: January 25, 2024 – June 26, 2025Enforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 2Unresolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issuedVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Failed to conduct Level 2 Assessment
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2024 – June 26, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: August 17, 2022 – June 26, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Formal — state order issued
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
NELSONVILLE PWS
Population Served
6,656
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
OH0501214
Frequently Asked Questions About Nelsonville Water
Is Nelsonville tap water safe to drink?
Nelsonville, Ohio tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 142 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Nelsonville's water?
Of the 31 contaminants tested in Nelsonville's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Nelsonville have any water quality violations?
Yes, Nelsonville has 142 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MCL, Other, MR. 22 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Nelsonville?
Nelsonville water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Nelsonville's tap water come from?
Nelsonville's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by NELSONVILLE PWS. The system serves approximately 6,656 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Nelsonville'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. Nelsonville'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 Nelsonville's water compare to other cities in Ohio?
Nelsonville's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. 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 Nelsonville's water quality?
If you have concerns about Nelsonville'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 (NELSONVILLE 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.