2024 Annual Water Quality Report — Columbus Water Works
What's Really in Columbus, Ohio Tap Water?
Columbus Water Works serves 1.1 million residents. Here's what the 2024 Annual Water Quality Report actually found — and what it means for your family.
Get a Free Home Water TestKey Contaminants Found in Columbus Water
Data sourced from the Columbus Water Works 2024 Annual Water Quality Report and EPA monitoring records.
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Health Concern | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 38 ppb | 80 ppb | Byproduct of chlorine treatment; linked to cancer risk with long-term exposure | Moderate |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | 22 ppb | 60 ppb | Chlorine disinfection byproduct; potential carcinogen with prolonged exposure | Moderate |
| Nitrate | 1.2 ppm | 10 ppm | Agricultural runoff; dangerous for infants and pregnant women at high levels | Below Limit |
| Lead | Varies (older homes) | 15 ppb action level | Leaches from aging pipes and fixtures; no safe level for children | Concern |
| Water Hardness | 120–180 mg/L | No federal limit | Scale buildup, dry skin, appliance damage, increased energy costs | Concern |
| Chlorine | Up to 4 ppm | 4 ppm (legal max) | Taste/odor issues, skin and hair dryness, forms TTHMs as byproduct | Moderate |
| PFAS (Forever Chemicals) | Trace amounts (some wells) | 4 ppt (new EPA 2024) | Linked to immune, thyroid, and cancer risks; does not break down in the body | Concern |
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
ModerateByproduct of chlorine treatment; linked to cancer risk with long-term exposure
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
ModerateChlorine disinfection byproduct; potential carcinogen with prolonged exposure
Nitrate
Below LimitAgricultural runoff; dangerous for infants and pregnant women at high levels
Lead
ConcernLeaches from aging pipes and fixtures; no safe level for children
Water Hardness
ConcernScale buildup, dry skin, appliance damage, increased energy costs
Chlorine
ModerateTaste/odor issues, skin and hair dryness, forms TTHMs as byproduct
PFAS (Forever Chemicals)
ConcernLinked to immune, thyroid, and cancer risks; does not break down in the body
What Hard Water Does to Your Columbus Home
At 120–180 mg/L, Columbus water is classified as very hard — more than double the national average.
Scale buildup on pipes, water heaters, and appliances
Dry, itchy skin and brittle hair after showering
Faded, stiff laundry — detergent doesn't lather well
Spots and film on dishes, glasses, and silverware
Shortened lifespan of dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters
Higher energy bills — scale-coated water heaters use up to 29% more energy
$800/year
Hard water costs Columbus homeowners an average of $800/year in extra energy and appliance repair costs.
Columbus vs. National Average
Water Hardness (mg/L)
Columbus water is 2.5× harder than the national average.
Chlorine Use
Columbus uses higher chlorine levels due to aging distribution infrastructure, increasing TTHM and HAA5 byproduct formation.
How to Fix Columbus Water Problems
Pure Aqua Columbus installs Westinghouse-authorized systems designed specifically for Central Ohio water conditions.
Whole House Filter
Removes chlorine, TTHMs, sediment, and odors at the point of entry — protecting every tap, shower, and appliance in your home.
Removes:
Iron Filter
Eliminates iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide — stopping rust stains, metallic taste, and rotten egg smell at the source.
Removes:
Alkaline RO System
Reverse osmosis removes PFAS, lead, nitrates, and hardness minerals at the tap — delivering the purest drinking water possible.
Removes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus tap water safe to drink?
Columbus tap water meets all EPA legal limits and is considered safe by regulatory standards. However, it contains detectable levels of disinfection byproducts (TTHMs, HAA5s), chlorine, and trace PFAS. Many residents choose additional filtration for improved taste, odor, and long-term peace of mind.
How hard is Columbus Ohio water?
Columbus water is classified as "very hard," averaging 120–180 mg/L (7–10 grains per gallon). This is more than double the national average of 60 mg/L and causes scale buildup on pipes, appliances, and fixtures, as well as dry skin and hair.
Does Columbus water contain PFAS?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have been detected in trace amounts in some Central Ohio water sources and private wells. Columbus Water Works monitors for PFAS, and levels in the municipal supply are currently below EPA action levels. However, the EPA has set new, stricter limits for several PFAS compounds starting in 2026.
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