C
66

Fair Water Quality

Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221

Summit County · Population served: 331,274 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
AKRON CITY PWS
Surface water · Pop. 280,000
PWSID: OH7700011
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CUYAHOGA FALLS CITY PWS
Groundwater · Pop. 51,114
PWSID: OH7701012
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PINE MILL RIDGE 525 PWS
Groundwater · Pop. 40
PWSID: OH7707112
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PINE MILL RIDGE 2500 PWS
Groundwater · Pop. 120
PWSID: OH7707312

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
6.4
15 ppb 1 ppb Warning

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

2 detected 1 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFOA7.3 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFBA5.0 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

12Total (5yr)
2Health-Based
0Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Cuyahoga Falls

Tap water quality in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio (44221) receives an overall grade of C (Fair) with a score of 66 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 15 points below the Ohio state average of 81. The area is served by 4 water systems providing water to approximately 331,274 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. Notably, 1 PFAS compound exceeds EPA limits — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 12 violations, including 2 health-based violations.

Your Score 66/100 C
vs State 15 pts below Ohio avg (81)
vs National 9 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade C Means

A score of 66/100 indicates fair water quality in Cuyahoga Falls, OH. While the water meets minimum federal standards, there are noteworthy concerns — either elevated contaminant levels approaching regulatory limits, a moderate violation history, or both. Residents may want to review specific contaminant data and consider targeted filtration, especially for sensitive groups like children and pregnant women.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs
Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

⚠️

Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Tap water in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio receives a grade of C (Fair) with a score of 66/100. While it generally meets minimum federal standards, there are some areas of concern including violation history or elevated contaminant levels. Sensitive populations (children, pregnant women, elderly) may want to consider additional filtration.

ZIP code 44221 is served by 4 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 331,274 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.

Lead was detected at 6.4 ppb in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. While this is below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, it exceeds the health guideline of 1 ppb recommended by health organizations. Consider a certified lead filter, especially if you have young children.

Yes — 2 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, and 1 exceeds EPA maximum contaminant levels. PFAS are persistent chemicals linked to cancer, immune system effects, and developmental issues. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter certified for PFAS removal is recommended.

Water systems serving Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio have received 12 violations in the last 5 years, including 2 health-based violations. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.

Based on detected contaminants (lead, PFAS), residents in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.

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