2024 Water Quality Data — Licking County, Ohio
What's Really in Licking County, Ohio Tap Water?
Licking County draws from the Licking River and North Fork Reservoir. Here's what the 2024 water quality data actually shows — and what it means for your Newark, Heath, or Granville home.
Get a Free Home Water TestKey Contaminants Found in Licking County Water
Data sourced from the City of Newark Water Department / Licking County Water & Wastewater 2024 Annual Water Quality Report and EPA monitoring records.
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Health Concern | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Hardness | 130–190 mg/L | No federal limit | Very hard water causes scale buildup, dry skin, appliance damage, and higher energy bills | Concern |
| Iron | 0.08–0.3 ppm | 0.3 ppm (secondary standard) | Rust stains on fixtures, laundry, and dishes; metallic taste; near secondary limit in some areas | Moderate |
| Manganese | 0.02–0.05 ppm | 0.05 ppm (secondary standard) | Black/brown staining; at or near secondary limit; neurological concerns at elevated levels | Moderate |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 28 ppb | 80 ppb | Byproduct of chlorine treatment; linked to cancer risk with long-term exposure | Moderate |
| Nitrate | 2.1 ppm | 10 ppm | Agricultural runoff; elevated vs. urban average; dangerous for infants at high levels | Moderate |
| Lead | Varies (older homes) | 15 ppb action level | Leaches from aging pipes and fixtures; no safe level for children | Concern |
| Chlorine | Up to 3.5 ppm | 4 ppm (legal max) | Taste/odor issues, skin and hair dryness, forms TTHMs as byproduct | Moderate |
Water Hardness
ConcernVery hard water causes scale buildup, dry skin, appliance damage, and higher energy bills
Iron
ModerateRust stains on fixtures, laundry, and dishes; metallic taste; near secondary limit in some areas
Manganese
ModerateBlack/brown staining; at or near secondary limit; neurological concerns at elevated levels
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
ModerateByproduct of chlorine treatment; linked to cancer risk with long-term exposure
Nitrate
ModerateAgricultural runoff; elevated vs. urban average; dangerous for infants at high levels
Lead
ConcernLeaches from aging pipes and fixtures; no safe level for children
Chlorine
ModerateTaste/odor issues, skin and hair dryness, forms TTHMs as byproduct
What Hard Water Does to Your Licking County Home
At 130–190 mg/L, Licking County 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
Rust stains and faded laundry from iron in the water
Spots, film, and metallic taste on dishes and glasses
Shortened lifespan of dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters
Higher energy bills — scale-coated water heaters use up to 29% more energy
$820/year
Hard water costs Licking County homeowners an estimated $820/year in extra energy and appliance repair costs.
Where Does Licking County Water Come From?
Primary provider: City of Newark Water Department / Licking County Water & Wastewater
Water source: North Fork Reservoir (Licking River), Buckeye Lake watershed
How to Fix Licking County Water Problems
Pure Aqua Columbus installs Westinghouse-authorized systems designed specifically for Central Ohio water conditions.
Water Softener + Iron Filter
Licking County's combination of very hard water and elevated iron requires a dual-treatment approach. A softener handles hardness while an iron filter eliminates rust stains and metallic taste.
Removes:
Whole House Filter
Removes chlorine, TTHMs, sediment, and odors at the point of entry — protecting every tap, shower, and appliance in your Licking County home.
Removes:
Alkaline RO System
Reverse osmosis removes lead, nitrates, hardness minerals, and trace contaminants at the tap — delivering the purest drinking water possible for your Licking County family.
Removes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Licking County tap water safe to drink?
Licking County tap water meets all EPA legal limits and is considered safe by regulatory standards. However, it is very hard (8–11 gpg) and has elevated iron and manganese levels that can cause staining and metallic taste. Many residents choose additional filtration for improved taste, odor, and long-term peace of mind.
Why does Licking County water have iron and rust stains?
Licking County draws from the Licking River watershed, which naturally carries higher iron and manganese levels than the Scioto River system used by Columbus. Iron levels near the 0.3 ppm secondary standard cause orange-brown staining on fixtures, laundry, and dishes.
How hard is Licking County Ohio water?
Licking County water averages 130–190 mg/L (8–11 grains per gallon) — classified as "very hard." This is significantly above the national average of 60 mg/L and causes scale buildup on pipes, appliances, and fixtures, as well as dry skin and hair.
Who provides water to Licking County?
The City of Newark Water Department serves Newark and surrounding areas, drawing from North Fork Reservoir on the Licking River. Licking County Water & Wastewater serves rural areas. Some communities near the Franklin County border may receive Columbus Water Works service.
More Licking County Water Resources
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