C44/100
Zanesville Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 53,721 residents · Ohio
What's In Zanesville's Tap Water?
67
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 601.00 mg/L | 1.30 mg/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 2019.
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
MUSKINGUM COUNTY WATER - SE
Population Served
21,540
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
OH6000412
SOUTH ZANESVILLE PWS
Population Served
2,800
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
OH6002212
ZANESVILLE PWS
Population Served
29,381
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
OH6002712
Frequently Asked Questions About Zanesville Water
Is Zanesville tap water safe to drink?
Zanesville, Ohio tap water receives a grade of C (44/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 164 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Zanesville's water?
Of the 67 contaminants tested in Zanesville's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Zanesville have any water quality violations?
Yes, Zanesville has 164 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, MON, MCL. 6 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Zanesville?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Zanesville 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 Zanesville's tap water come from?
Zanesville's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by MUSKINGUM COUNTY WATER - SE and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 53,721 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Zanesville'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. Zanesville'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 Zanesville's water compare to other cities in Ohio?
Zanesville's water quality score of 44/100 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 Zanesville's water quality?
If you have concerns about Zanesville'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 (MUSKINGUM COUNTY WATER - SE) 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.