Good Water Quality
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead |
1.0
|
15 ppb | 1 ppb | Passed |
| Compound | Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFPeA | 90.4 ppt | No standard | — | Unregulated |
| PFHxA | 51.8 ppt | No standard | 400 ppt | Unregulated |
| PFPeA | 42.0 ppt | No standard | — | Unregulated |
| PFHxA | 25.0 ppt | No standard | 400 ppt | Unregulated |
| PFBA | 12.4 ppt | No standard | 500 ppt | Unregulated |
| PFBS | 8.1 ppt | 2000 ppt | 100 ppt | Below limit |
| PFBA | 7.1 ppt | No standard | 500 ppt | Unregulated |
| PFBS | 6.2 ppt | 2000 ppt | 100 ppt | Below limit |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Bluffton, Ohio (45817) receives an overall grade of B (Good) with a score of 84 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is roughly in line with the Ohio state average of 81. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 8,988 people, using surface water sources. PFAS testing detected 8 compounds, all currently below EPA limits. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 3 violations, including 1 health-based violations.
A score of 84/100 means the water in Bluffton, OH is generally good and meets EPA standards, with only minor areas of concern. There may be low levels of detectable contaminants or a small number of non-critical violations. Most residents can feel comfortable with their tap water quality, though basic filtration can provide an extra layer of protection.
Health Information
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.
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.
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.
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
Based on EPA data, tap water in Bluffton, Ohio receives a grade of B (Good) with a score of 84/100. This indicates the water meets federal standards and has relatively few concerns. However, individual homes may still have localized issues such as lead from old plumbing.
ZIP code 45817 is served by 2 water systems using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 8,988 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.
Lead levels in Bluffton, Ohio are 1.0 ppb, which is at or below the health guideline of 1 ppb. This is a positive result, though periodic testing is still recommended.
8 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Bluffton, Ohio, but all are currently below EPA limits. While levels are within regulatory standards, some health organizations recommend minimizing any PFAS exposure. Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters can reduce PFAS levels.
Water systems serving Bluffton, Ohio have received 3 violations in the last 5 years, including 1 health-based violation. 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 (PFAS), residents in Bluffton, 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.