2024 Water Quality Data — Union County, Ohio
What's Really in Union County, Ohio Tap Water?
Union County draws from the Scioto River and local groundwater. Here's what the 2024 water quality data actually shows — and what it means for your Marysville or Plain City home.
Get a Free Home Water TestKey Contaminants Found in Union County Water
Data sourced from the City of Marysville Water Department / Union County Water & Sewer 2024 Annual Water Quality Report and EPA monitoring records.
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Health Concern | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Hardness | 145–210 mg/L | No federal limit | Very hard water causes scale buildup, dry skin, appliance damage, and higher energy bills | Concern |
| Nitrate | 4.1 ppm | 10 ppm | Highest nitrate levels in the Columbus metro area due to intensive agricultural activity | Moderate |
| Atrazine | Trace amounts | 3 ppb | Herbicide from corn farming; endocrine disruptor at elevated levels | Moderate |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs) | 25 ppb | 80 ppb | Byproduct of chlorine treatment; linked to cancer risk with long-term exposure | Moderate |
| Lead | Varies (older homes) | 15 ppb action level | Leaches from aging pipes and fixtures; no safe level for children | Concern |
| Chlorine | Up to 3.2 ppm | 4 ppm (legal max) | Taste/odor issues, skin and hair dryness, forms TTHMs as byproduct | Moderate |
| Coliform Bacteria (rural wells) | Detected in some private wells | 0 (zero tolerance) | Private well contamination risk from agricultural runoff; municipal supply is treated | Concern |
Water Hardness
ConcernVery hard water causes scale buildup, dry skin, appliance damage, and higher energy bills
Nitrate
ModerateHighest nitrate levels in the Columbus metro area due to intensive agricultural activity
Atrazine
ModerateHerbicide from corn farming; endocrine disruptor at elevated levels
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
ModerateByproduct of chlorine treatment; linked to cancer risk with long-term exposure
Lead
ConcernLeaches from aging pipes and fixtures; no safe level for children
Chlorine
ModerateTaste/odor issues, skin and hair dryness, forms TTHMs as byproduct
Coliform Bacteria (rural wells)
ConcernPrivate well contamination risk from agricultural runoff; municipal supply is treated
What Hard Water Does to Your Union County Home
At 145–210 mg/L, Union 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
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
$870/year
Hard water costs Union County homeowners an estimated $870/year in extra energy and appliance repair costs.
Where Does Union County Water Come From?
Primary provider: City of Marysville Water Department / Union County Water & Sewer
Water source: Scioto River (Marysville), local groundwater wells (rural areas)
How to Fix Union County Water Problems
Pure Aqua Columbus installs Westinghouse-authorized systems designed specifically for Central Ohio water conditions.
Water Softener
Union County's 8–12 gpg hardness demands a whole-house softener. Eliminates scale, protects appliances, and leaves skin and hair noticeably softer throughout your Marysville or Plain City home.
Removes:
Whole House Filter
Removes chlorine, TTHMs, atrazine, nitrates, and sediment at the point of entry — protecting every tap, shower, and appliance in your Union County home.
Removes:
Alkaline RO System
Reverse osmosis removes lead, nitrates, atrazine, and hardness minerals at the tap — delivering the purest drinking water possible for your Union County family.
Removes:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Union County tap water safe to drink?
Union County tap water meets all EPA legal limits and is considered safe by regulatory standards. However, it is very hard (8–12 gpg) and has the highest nitrate levels in the Columbus metro area due to intensive agricultural activity. Many residents choose additional filtration for improved taste, odor, and long-term peace of mind.
How hard is Union County Ohio water?
Union County water averages 145–210 mg/L (8–12 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.
Why does Union County water have the highest nitrates in the area?
Union County is one of the most agriculturally intensive counties in Central Ohio, with extensive corn and soybean farming. Fertilizer runoff into the Scioto River watershed elevates nitrate levels above the Columbus metro average. While still well below the 10 ppm EPA limit, families with infants or pregnant women should consider an RO system.
Who provides water to Union County?
The City of Marysville Water Department serves Marysville and nearby areas, drawing from the Scioto River. Union County Water & Sewer serves rural areas using local groundwater wells. Plain City, which straddles the Union/Madison County line, has its own municipal water system.
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