Martins Ferry, OH: 1 Violation — 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
While Martins Ferry avoids OH's lowest safety tiers, a portion of its water systems have logged documented violations.
How Martins Ferry Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Martins Ferry Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 1 violation in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0035 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 94% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.56 — above typical levels.
Martins Ferry's Water Providers
Structurally, Martins Ferry, OH's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 4 water systems in the area, with 3 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Martins Ferry, Ohio (population ~7,918), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 39,002 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Martins Ferry: C (63/100)
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
Martins Ferry water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0035 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43935 | C | 1 | 0 | Martins Ferry Public Water System |
All ZIP Codes in Martins Ferry
- 43935 [C] — 1 violation
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.
Martins Ferry 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 Martins Ferry's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Martins Ferry Infrastructure Age
With 94% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
When a city's housing median build year is 1958, as in Martins Ferry, the implication for water quality research is straightforward: municipal-level data captures what leaves the treatment plant, but household plumbing from before 1986 determines what actually arrives at the tap. In cities where older housing predominates, that gap between system-level and household-level data is widest.
Over half of homes in Martins Ferry were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Martins Ferry
Given that Martins Ferry falls in the elevated cost-to-value tier, the equity impact of documented remediation is a real financial planning challenge for most homeowners.
At 3.5% of home value, remediation costs in Martins Ferry represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $2,400–$4,800. Home values here are 45% below the Ohio average.
Martins Ferry: 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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 94% of the Martins Ferry inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Martins Ferry: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Martins Ferry falls in moderate-exposure territory — 50 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Martins Ferry has a moderate flood history with 50 FEMA claims averaging $20,643 per payout. 100% 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>$3,600</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 Martins Ferry
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Surface Water Treatment Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Martins Ferry's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 94% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Martins Ferry, OH