Dayton, OH: Lead Above EPA Limits — 37/100 (2026)
49 ZIP codes · 16 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Federal monitoring data for Dayton puts the city in OH's lower safety tier — exceedances show up in multiple utility districts, several systems have met thresholds requiring public notification under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the compliance deficit has persisted across more than one consecutive reporting cycle, with no clear reversal visible in the most recent data available.
How Dayton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Water Quality Map: Dayton, OH
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Score Distribution
Safety grade breakdown for Dayton's 49 ZIP codes.
Key Facts for Dayton Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 245 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.47 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $5,099 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.82 — above typical levels.
Dayton's Water Providers
3 water utilities share the residential service territory in Dayton, OH — out of 16 total systems in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 49 ZIP codes in Dayton, Ohio, covering 16 community water systems serving approximately 485,366 people.
49 of 49 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 49 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Dayton: F (37/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Dayton water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.4700 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 49 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 49 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 100 | 49 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 100 | 49 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 50 | 49 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 45400 | F | 5 | 1 | Dayton Public Water System |
| 45401 | F | 5 | 1 | Dayton Public Water System |
| 45402 | D | 5 | 1 | Dayton Public Water System |
| 45403 | D | 5 | 1 | Dayton Public Water System |
| 45404 | D | 5 | 1 | Dayton Public Water System |
| 45405 | D | 5 | 1 | Dayton Public Water System |
| 45406 | D | 5 | 1 | Dayton Public Water System |
| 45408 | F | 5 | 1 | Dayton Public Water System |
| 45409 | D | 5 | 1 | Dayton Public Water System |
| 45410 | F | 5 | 1 | Dayton Public Water System |
All ZIP Codes in Dayton
- 45400 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45401 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45402 [D] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45403 [D] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45404 [D] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45405 [D] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45406 [D] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45408 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45409 [D] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45410 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45412 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45413 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45414 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45415 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45416 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45417 [D] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45418 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45419 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45420 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45422 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45423 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45424 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45426 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45427 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45428 [D] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45429 [D] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45430 [D] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45431 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45432 [D] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45433 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45434 [D] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45435 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45437 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45439 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45440 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45441 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45448 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45449 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45454 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45458 [D] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45459 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45463 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45469 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45470 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45475 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45479 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45481 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45482 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
- 45490 [F] — 5 violations ⚠
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Dayton Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
What's in Dayton's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Dayton
Elevated equity share — Dayton sits in the high tier when estimated remediation is measured against property values.
At 3.1% of home value, remediation costs in Dayton represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $3,351–$7,004. Home values here are 11% below the Ohio average.
Dayton: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
If you have young children or are pregnant, consider testing your home's water — especially if your home was built before 1986.
<strong>49 ZIP codes</strong> (100% of the city) exceed the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Dayton: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
A moderate NFIP record for Dayton — 285 insurance claims paired with 45% of ZIP codes in FEMA flood zones — points to a flood history where water-quality pathways have likely been periodically relevant.
Dayton has a moderate flood history with 285 FEMA claims averaging $7,702 per payout. 45% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$5,099</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Dayton
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Stage 2 DBP Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Dayton's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Dayton, OH