Is Dayton, OH Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Dayton tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 9 of 9 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for PFOS. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.
Where Does Dayton Get Its Water?
Water in Dayton, OH is provided by 5 public water systems: DAYTON PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM, DAYTON VA BLDG 410, JEFFERSON REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY, MONTGOMERY COUNTY WATER SERVICES 2 PWS and GRANDVIEW MEDICAL CENTER PWS.
How Is Dayton Tap Water Treated?
Treated water is disinfected using free chlorine and chloramines. Treatment includes conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), groundwater disinfection and slow sand filtration.
What's in Dayton Tap Water?
The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Dayton public water systems. 9 of 9 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS | 0.0073 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 9 ZIPs | Above guideline |
| PFHxS | 0.0087 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 4 ZIPs | Above guideline |
| lithium | 9 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| PFTrDA | 0.007 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for Dayton
Based on EPA monitoring data, 9 of 9 ZIP codes in Dayton have recorded detections above EPA health guidelines. Sensitive populations such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may benefit from an additional layer of protection such as a certified point-of-use filter.
Best Filters for PFAS Water Profile
PFAS compounds are detected in this water supply. A reverse osmosis (RO) system or an activated-carbon filter specifically certified under NSF/ANSI P473 is required for reliable PFAS reduction. Standard pitcher and faucet filters without P473 certification do not remove PFAS.
8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.
NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.
See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dayton Tap Water
Is Dayton tap water safe to drink?
Dayton tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 9 of 9 ZIP codes show contaminant levels above EPA health-based guidelines. A certified point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
What contaminants are in Dayton tap water?
The most commonly detected contaminants in Dayton water systems include: PFOS, PFHxS, lithium. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.
Where does Dayton get its drinking water?
Dayton receives water from 5 public water systems, including DAYTON PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM.
Do I need a water filter in Dayton?
If your ZIP code is among those with detections above EPA health guidelines, choose a filter certified for the specific contaminants shown in your ZIP report. Reverse osmosis is generally the broadest option for PFAS, lithium, and many other dissolved contaminants.
How often is Dayton tap water tested?
Public water systems in Dayton are required by the EPA to test for regulated contaminants on schedules ranging from daily (for microbials and disinfectants) to annual or triennial (for many chemical contaminants). Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The data on this page reflects the most recent available EPA monitoring results, with the latest sample date of 2025-03-12.
Tap water reports by ZIP in Dayton
- 45402 - Southern Hills, Dayton tap water report Higher concern
- 45403 - Beverly Gardens, Dayton tap water report Higher concern
- 45404 - Oregon Historic District, Dayton tap water report Higher concern
- 45405 - North Riverdale, Dayton tap water report Higher concern
- 45406 - North Riverdale, Dayton tap water report Higher concern
- 45410 - Hearthstone, Dayton tap water report Higher concern
- 45414 - Butler, Dayton tap water report Higher concern
- 45417 - Edgemont, Dayton tap water report Higher concern
- 45428 - Dayton tap water report Higher concern
Water utilities serving Dayton, OH
Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.
- DAYTON PUBLIC WATER SYSTEMAction advised
- DAYTON VA BLDG 410Action advised
- MONTGOMERY COUNTY WATER SERVICES 1 PWSAction advised
- MONTGOMERY COUNTY WATER SERVICES 2 PWSAction advised
Also covers / overlaps with
- Harrison, OH · Township
- Butler, OH · Township
- Drexel, OH · CDP
- Fort McKinley, OH · CDP
- Jefferson, OH · Township
- Riverside, OH
- Shiloh, OH · CDP
- Trotwood, OH
- Vandalia, OH