Least Reliable Water Systems in Ohio — 2026

Out of 1,435 ZIP codes with data in Ohio, these are the lowest-ranked areas for reliability score. See also: National Least Reliable Water Systems in America | All Ohio Rankings

Statistic	Value
ZIP codes ranked	1,435
Lowest value	15/100
Median value	75/100
State	Ohio

100 Lowest-Ranked ZIP Codes

Rank	ZIP Code	City	State	Reliability Score	Safety Score
1	43524	Hamler	OH	15/100	58/100
2	43907	Cadiz	OH	15/100	49/100
3	45764	Nelsonville	OH	15/100	53/100
4	43943	Rayland	OH	16/100	54/100
5	45369	South Vienna	OH	20/100	48/100
6	45068	Waynesville	OH	21/100	56/100
7	43724	Caldwell	OH	24/100	57/100
8	43952	Steubenville	OH	24/100	60/100
9	43953	Steubenville	OH	24/100	65/100
10	44644	Malvern	OH	24/100	57/100
11	44807	Attica	OH	24/100	62/100
12	45347	New Paris	OH	24/100	57/100
13	43153	South Solon	OH	25/100	49/100
14	43764	New Lexington	OH	25/100	45/100
15	44131	Independence	OH	25/100	56/100
16	44491	West Farmington	OH	25/100	78/100
17	44720	North Canton	OH	25/100	46/100
18	45711	Amesville	OH	25/100	68/100
19	43150	Rushville	OH	27/100	69/100
20	43331	Lakeview	OH	27/100	61/100
21	43347	Rushsylvania	OH	27/100	69/100
22	43913	Brilliant	OH	27/100	64/100
23	44690	Winesburg	OH	27/100	65/100
24	45144	Manchester	OH	27/100	56/100
25	45769	Pomeroy	OH	27/100	69/100
26	45786	Waterford	OH	27/100	74/100
27	45886	Scott	OH	27/100	61/100
28	44611	Big Prairie	OH	29/100	49/100
29	43920	East Liverpool	OH	30/100	58/100
30	44301	Akron	OH	30/100	62/100
31	44302	Akron	OH	30/100	58/100
32	44303	Akron	OH	30/100	62/100
33	44304	Akron	OH	30/100	62/100
34	44305	Akron	OH	30/100	62/100
35	44306	Akron	OH	30/100	62/100
36	44307	Akron	OH	30/100	58/100
37	44308	Akron	OH	30/100	62/100
38	44310	Akron	OH	30/100	62/100
39	44311	Akron	OH	30/100	62/100
40	44312	Akron	OH	30/100	57/100
41	44313	Akron	OH	30/100	57/100
42	44314	Akron	OH	30/100	52/100
43	44319	Akron	OH	30/100	57/100
44	44320	Akron	OH	30/100	57/100
45	44321	Akron	OH	30/100	57/100
46	44325	Akron	OH	30/100	58/100
47	44333	Akron	OH	30/100	52/100
48	44629	Gnadenhutten	OH	30/100	56/100
49	44672	Sebring	OH	30/100	71/100
50	45308	Bradford	OH	30/100	47/100
51	45690	Waverly	OH	30/100	47/100
52	45865	Minster	OH	30/100	51/100
53	45871	New Knoxville	OH	30/100	41/100
54	45891	Van Wert	OH	30/100	46/100
55	43430	Genoa	OH	32/100	82/100
56	43976	Hopedale	OH	32/100	54/100
57	44628	Glenmont	OH	32/100	66/100
58	45621	Coalton	OH	32/100	66/100
59	45723	Coolville	OH	32/100	69/100
60	45760	Middleport	OH	32/100	74/100
61	44688	Waynesburg	OH	34/100	60/100
62	43001	Alexandria	OH	35/100	64/100
63	43311	Bellefontaine	OH	35/100	62/100
64	43973	Freeport	OH	35/100	58/100
65	43986	Jewett	OH	35/100	56/100
66	44022	Chagrin Falls	OH	35/100	70/100
67	44023	Chagrin Falls	OH	35/100	75/100
68	44444	Newton Falls	OH	35/100	72/100
69	45338	Lewisburg	OH	35/100	62/100
70	45750	Marietta	OH	35/100	59/100
71	43344	Richwood	OH	37/100	64/100
72	43416	Elmore	OH	37/100	71/100
73	43985	Holloway	OH	37/100	61/100
74	43988	Scio	OH	37/100	66/100
75	44236	Hudson	OH	37/100	59/100
76	44266	Ravenna	OH	37/100	74/100
77	45152	Morrow	OH	37/100	61/100
78	45644	Kingston	OH	37/100	59/100
79	45779	Syracuse	OH	37/100	82/100
80	44689	Wilmot	OH	39/100	64/100
81	44804	Arcadia	OH	39/100	54/100
82	43144	Murray City	OH	40/100	74/100
83	43526	Hicksville	OH	40/100	77/100
84	43527	Holgate	OH	40/100	63/100
85	43565	Tontogany	OH	40/100	68/100
86	43567	Wauseon	OH	40/100	65/100
87	43759	Morristown	OH	40/100	51/100

Methodology

Water system reliability scores (0-100) combine violation frequency, violation recency, resolution rate, and system size. Systems with repeated health-based violations and unresolved issues score lowest. The reliability score focuses specifically on the water utility performance, distinct from the broader Home Safety Score.

Data sources: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), FEMA National Flood Insurance Program, EPA radon zone maps, EIA electricity rates, and Consumer Confidence Reports. Last updated: 2026-04-13.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a low water reliability score mean?

A low reliability score (below 50) indicates a water system with frequent violations, poor resolution rates, or recurring compliance issues. These systems may have aging infrastructure, inadequate treatment, or management challenges.

How is reliability different from safety score?

The reliability score focuses specifically on the water utility performance (violations, resolution, compliance). The Home Safety Score is broader, also including lead risk, radon, and flood data. A ZIP code can have a reliable water system but still have high radon or flood risk.