PFAS in Cincinnati, OH Drinking Water
PFAS data for Cincinnati, Ohio · 775,555 residents · 71 ZIP codes
Federal water monitoring extends to thousands of public water systems, and in Cincinnati, Ohio, that tracking has turned up PFAS — the detection is logged in the EPA compliance record and reflects samples collected under routine Safe Drinking Water Act reporting requirements.
Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14
PFAS in Cincinnati Tap Water
PFAS has been detected in Cincinnati, Ohio drinking water at a maximum level of 0.0124 ppt — below the EPA MCL of 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually).
This analysis covers 775,555 residents across 71 ZIP codes in Cincinnati.
Cincinnati's overall water quality grade is C (66/100).
Is PFAS in Cincinnati Water Safe?
If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or granular activated carbon filter certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 and testing your water independently.
PFAS Levels by ZIP Code
| ZIP Code | PFAS Level | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45229 | 15 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45242 | 14 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45243 | 14 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45244 | 10 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45245 | 10 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45255 | 10 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45241 | 9 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45246 | 9 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45215 | 8 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45236 | 8 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45202 | 6 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45203 | 6 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45204 | 6 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45205 | 6 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45206 | 6 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45207 | 6 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45208 | 6 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45209 | 6 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45211 | 6 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45212 | 6 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45213 | 6 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45214 | 6 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45216 | 6 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45217 | 6 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| 45218 | 6 detections | 4 ppt (PFOA/PFOS individually) | Exceeds limit |
| ...21 more ZIP codes |
Average pfas level across Cincinnati: 7.02 ppt
Health Effects of PFAS
- Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer
- Thyroid disease and immune system suppression
- Reproductive problems and reduced fertility
- Elevated cholesterol and liver effects
- Developmental effects in infants and children
Health risk severity: High. Governed by the PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation (2024).
How PFAS Gets Into Drinking Water
- Firefighting foam (AFFF) used at military bases and airports
- Industrial manufacturing (non-stick coatings, stain-resistant fabrics)
- Wastewater treatment plants that receive industrial discharge
- Landfill leachate from PFAS-containing consumer products
What to Do About PFAS in Cincinnati Water
- Install a reverse osmosis system (most effective — removes 90%+ of PFAS)
- Granular activated carbon (GAC) filters remove some PFAS compounds
- Look for NSF 53 or NSF 58 certification specifically tested for PFAS
- Pitcher filters with activated carbon provide partial reduction
Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 for pfas removal.