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Dayton, OH · 150,840 people served · EPA data 2021–2026

Tap water quality in Dayton, Ohio

Dayton's water systems logged 2 health-based EPA violations in 2021–2026, most recently in 2024 — a modest record, with lead and copper rule revisions the issue found. For context, Ohio's systems average 1.3 health-based violations each.

C+Fair
Dayton water grade: C+
Fair — our A–F grade from this city's EPA compliance record, relative to Ohio and the nation. How we grade →
Health-based violations, 2021–20262
Lead And Copper Rule Revisions2
Dayton Public Water System141,407 served
Wright State University8,948 served
Dayton Va Bldg 410125 served
Woodbury Apartments Pws120 served
Ohio quality rank#36 / 51 (81.0/100)
Ohio avg hardness130 PPM (hard)
Want to know what's actually in your Dayton water?

Averages describe states, not your faucet. A certified home water test screens for lead, nitrates, bacteria and dozens of other contaminants — the same categories EPA regulates.

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Dayton tap water FAQ

Is tap water safe to drink in Dayton?

Dayton's systems logged 2 health-based violations in 2021–2026, most commonly lead and copper rule revisions. A violation is a red flag for a period of time, not a permanent condition — your utility's current Consumer Confidence Report shows today's status, and a certified home test shows what's at your tap.

Who supplies Dayton's water?

Dayton Public Water System (serving about 141,407 people); Wright State University (serving about 8,948 people); Dayton Va Bldg 410 (serving about 125 people); Woodbury Apartments Pws (serving about 120 people). Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System, July 2026.

How hard is the water in Dayton?

City-level hardness isn't published in a single federal dataset, but Ohio averages 130 PPM — "hard" on the USGS scale. Your utility's water quality report lists Dayton's exact hardness, or a $10 test strip tells you in a minute. If it comes back over 120 PPM, see our water softener guidance in the purification calculator.

Do I need a water filter in Dayton?

With 2 health-based violations on record in 2021–2026, a certified filter is reasonable insurance here: reverse osmosis ($150–$1,300 installed, Angi 2026) covers lead, nitrates and PFAS at the tap. Test first ($50–$200) so you buy for what's actually present.

Want to know what's actually in your Dayton water?

Averages describe states, not your faucet. A certified home water test screens for lead, nitrates, bacteria and dozens of other contaminants — the same categories EPA regulates.

Test your water at home

We may earn a commission if you request quotes through this link. It costs you nothing and never affects the data we publish.