Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

Cincinnati City School District (OH): 1 Health Violation

36 ZIP codes · 8 water systems · 26,263,000 people served · Updated 2026-07-23

ZipCheckup's reading of EPA drinking-water data for Cincinnati City School District: 1 health-based violation on record in the past five years.

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-07-23

C · 65
Avg Safety Score
36
ZIP Codes
8
Water Systems
37
Violations (5yr)
0.002 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
35
ZIPs with PFAS
Zone 1
Radon Risk

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The Cincinnati City School District in Ohio spans 36 ZIP codes served by 8 community water systems, providing water to approximately 26,263,000 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is C (65/100)

  • with the lowest-scoring area at 55/100 .

Water quality in this district falls in the bottom 58% nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

  • Lead exposure - Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") - Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
  • Nitrate - Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
  • Disinfection byproducts - Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric Value EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile) 0.002 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.002 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 36 -

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 35 of 36 ZIP codes in this district. One or more PFAS compounds exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.

Detected compounds: PFOS, PFBA, PFBS, PFPeA, HFPO-DA, PFHxA.

Highest measured level: 0.0124 µg/L.

PFAS can accumulate in the body over time. Children's higher water intake relative to body weight makes them particularly susceptible. Reverse osmosis filters (NSF/ANSI 58) are the most effective at removing PFAS.

Learn more about PFAS in drinking water →

EPA Violation History

1 health-based violation recorded across 36 of 36 ZIP codes in the past 5 years.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 35 No 35
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 2 Yes 1

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High risk)

36 of 36 ZIP codes are in the highest radon risk zone. Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer in the U.S. - homes and school buildings in Zone 1 should be tested.

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
45001 Addyston C (61) 2 1 — —
45202 Cincinnati C (60) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45203 Cincinnati C (65) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45204 Cincinnati C (65) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45205 Cincinnati B (70) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45206 Cincinnati B (70) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45207 Cincinnati C (66) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45208 Cincinnati C (65) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45209 Cincinnati B (70) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45211 Cincinnati B (70) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45212 Cincinnati C (66) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45213 Cincinnati B (70) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45214 Cincinnati B (70) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45215 Cincinnati C (65) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45216 Cincinnati C (65) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45217 Cincinnati B (70) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45219 Cincinnati C (66) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45220 Cincinnati C (65) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45223 Cincinnati C (60) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45224 Cincinnati B (70) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45225 Cincinnati B (70) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45226 Cincinnati C (55) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45227 Cincinnati C (60) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45229 Cincinnati C (66) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45230 Cincinnati C (60) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45231 Cincinnati C (60) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45232 Cincinnati C (65) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45233 Cincinnati B (70) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45236 Cincinnati C (65) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45237 Cincinnati C (60) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45238 Cincinnati C (65) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45239 Cincinnati C (60) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45243 Cincinnati C (65) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45244 Cincinnati C (60) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45248 Cincinnati B (70) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No
45267 Cincinnati C (66) 1 0 0.002 mg/L No

Water Systems Serving This District

Water System Population Served Source ZIP Codes
Cincinnati Public Water System 750,200 Surface water 45202, 45203, 45204 +32 more
Clermont Public Water System 133,059 Surface water 45244
Indian Hill City Public Water System 15,000 Groundwater 45202, 45203, 45204 +32 more
Wyoming City Public Water System 9,700 Groundwater 45202, 45203, 45204 +32 more
Cleves Village Public Water System 6,000 Groundwater 45001, 45248
Addyston Village Public Water System 900 Groundwater 45001
Chateau Estates Mhp Public Water System 430 Groundwater 45202, 45203, 45204 +32 more
Honey Creek Village Mhp Public Water System 225 Groundwater 45202, 45203, 45204 +32 more

Lead Risk Assessment

Lead risk: ELEVATED. 35 ZIP codes in this district have high lead exposure risk scores based on housing age and infrastructure.

Infrastructure Risk Factors

Risk Factor District Average Why It Matters
Housing built before 1986 82.5% Lead solder was used in plumbing until 1986
Housing built before 1950 42.9% Lead pipes were common before 1950
Lead service line probability 24.4% Estimated chance of lead pipes connecting homes to water mains
Average lead level (90th pctl) 0.002 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L
Highest measured lead level 0.002 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L

Schools built before 1986 are especially at risk. Lead can leach from older pipes, fixtures, and solder joints into drinking water — particularly when water sits in pipes overnight or over weekends.

Detailed Violation History

1 health-based contaminant have triggered violations in this district: Stage 2 DBP Rule.
Contaminant Category Total Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 35 No 35
Stage 2 DBP Rule Treatment Technique 2 Yes 1

Most Recent Violations

  • Violation in ZIP 45001 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 45001 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 45202 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 45203 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 45204 (Unknown date) — Unresolved

Is the Water Safe at Cincinnati City School District Schools?

Several factors warrant attention for families in the Cincinnati City School District area:

  • Water systems in this district have recorded 1 health-based violation. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose health risks.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in 35 of 36 ZIP codes. Some PFAS levels exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.
  • 82.5% of buildings in this district predate 1986, increasing the risk of lead in school plumbing.

Important context: EPA compliance data measures water quality at the utility level. Individual school buildings — especially older ones — may have additional risks from internal plumbing, lead fixtures, and stagnant water in pipes.

What Parents Should Do

Testing

  1. Request your school's water testing results. Under the EPA's 3Ts program, schools are encouraged to test drinking water. Ask the Cincinnati City School District school board for the most recent results.
  2. Test your home water. If your home was built before 1986, lead may be present in your plumbing. Free or low-cost test kits are often available from your water utility.
  3. Ask about PFAS testing. PFAS have been detected in this district. Request specific PFAS testing results from your water utility.

Advocacy

  1. Attend school board meetings and ask about the district's water quality testing schedule and remediation plans.
  2. Request lead fixture replacement if your child's school was built before 1986 and hasn't upgraded its plumbing.

Resources

ZIP Code Reports for This District

What Parents Can Do

  1. Request lead testing at your child's school - The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) - Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Test your home's water - Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
  4. Address PFAS - If PFAS are detected in your area, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon block filter rated NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 can reduce levels significantly.
  5. Pack water from home - If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
  6. Stay informed - Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in Cincinnati City School District schools?

Water systems serving Cincinnati City School District have recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. While utilities are required to meet federal standards, individual school buildings may have older plumbing that can introduce contaminants. Parents should request lead testing results from their school.

Does Cincinnati City School District test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Are there PFAS in Cincinnati City School District water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 35 of 36 ZIP codes served by this district. PFAS are "forever chemicals" that do not break down and can accumulate in the body. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS compounds. Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.

Data Sources

Updated daily.

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How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Cincinnati City School District (OH): 1 Health Violation. https://zipcheckup.com/schools/cincinnati-city-school-district-oh/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-schools-cincinnati-city-school-district-oh,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Cincinnati City School District (OH): 1 Health Violation}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/schools/cincinnati-city-school-district-oh/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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