F4/100
Urbana Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 11,428 residents · Ohio
What's In Urbana's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 255.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.005 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
6
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: December 5, 2024 – June 4, 2025Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: November 20, 2024 – March 3, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Reporting violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: October 17, 2024 – February 11, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Treatment technique violation
When: October 17, 2024 – February 11, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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
URBANA CITY PWS
Population Served
11,428
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
OH1101212
Frequently Asked Questions About Urbana Water
Is Urbana tap water safe to drink?
Urbana, Ohio tap water receives a grade of F (4/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 46 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Urbana's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Urbana's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Urbana have any water quality violations?
Yes, Urbana has 46 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, RPT, TT. 11 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Urbana?
Urbana 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. 2 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.
Where does Urbana's tap water come from?
Urbana's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by URBANA CITY PWS. The system serves approximately 11,428 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Urbana'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. Urbana'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 Urbana's water compare to other cities in Ohio?
Urbana's water quality score of 4/100 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 Urbana's water quality?
If you have concerns about Urbana'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 (URBANA 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.