45252
Cincinnati, OH
CINCINNATI PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM

Is Cincinnati tap water safe to drink?

Higher concern
Last tested: February 2024
Action Advised
Source: Official EPA UCMR5 federal monitoring data | Last tested February 2024

Can you drink the tap water in Cincinnati?

Cincinnati tap water has 2 contaminants above EPA guidelines, including PFOS at 1,5× the limit (tested February 2024). See the full compound-by-compound breakdown and filter recommendations.

Recommended for Cincinnati tap water
Water filter for Cincinnati tap water: Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
Pitcher filter
Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.
Contaminants above EPA limits detected in Cincinnati. Fastest way to reduce exposure.
See certified filter on Amazon

The health risk for Cincinnati

PFAS ('forever chemicals') have been detected above EPA limits in this water system's most recent tests. These synthetic chemicals do not break down in the body and are linked to a range of health effects. A certified filter is strongly recommended.
  • PFBS, PFOS above limit.
PFOS concentration (µg/L) February 2024
0 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L
0.006 µg/L
Detected
µg/L
0.004 µg/L
EPA limit
guideline
53% above limit
Comparison
vs. guideline
EPA limit: 0.004 µg/L | Your water: 0.006 µg/L
Certified Filters for Cincinnati Tap Water

PFOS (a PFAS 'forever chemical') was detected above EPA limits. These filters are independently certified to reduce common drinking-water contaminants.

Water filter recommendation for Cincinnati tap water: Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
Pitcher filter
Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.
Best for renters or quick setup. No installation needed.
See certified filter on Amazon
Water filter recommendation for Cincinnati tap water: Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System
Under-sink RO system
Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System
8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.
Best for homeowners. Heavy-duty filtration for long-term protection.
See certified filter on Amazon
Most elevated compounds
Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFOS
Tested: November 2023 · Bolton Plant (54745)		 0.006 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 53% above limit
PFBS
Tested: November 2023 · Bolton Plant (54745)		 0.004 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 37% above limit
View all tested compounds

Bolton Plant (54745) · Tested: November 2023

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
PFOS 0.006 µg/L 0.004 µg/L 53% above limit
PFBS 0.004 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 37% above limit
PFBA 0.005 µg/L 6 µg/L 0.1% of limit
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxA <0.003 µg/L 3 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFOA <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFPeA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit

Miller Plant · Tested: February 2024

Compound Measurement EPA Limit Comparison
lithium <9.000 µg/L 10 µg/L Below limit
HFPO-DA <0.005 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFNA <0.004 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxS <0.003 µg/L 0.01 µg/L Below limit
PFHxA <0.003 µg/L 3 µg/L Below limit
PFBA <0.005 µg/L 6 µg/L Below limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
4:2 FTS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
6:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
8:2 FTS <0.005 µg/L 0.005 µg/L Below limit
9Cl-PF3ONS <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
ADONA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFBS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFDoA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFHpS <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFOA <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFOS <0.004 µg/L 0.004 µg/L Below limit
PFPeA <0.003 µg/L 0.003 µg/L Below limit
PFTrDA <0.007 µg/L 0.007 µg/L Below limit
PFUnA <0.002 µg/L 0.002 µg/L Below limit
Primary source EPA UCMR5 (2023-2025)
Guideline source EPA PFAS drinking water standard (PFOS: 0,004 µg/L, effective 2024, compliance by 2031)
Last tested February 2024
Last page update 2026-03-31

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    Data reflects publicly reported utility records from EPA datasets and local utility disclosures. This information is educational and not medical advice.

    Protect your water in Cincinnati → see certified filters