CIRCLEVILLE — The City of Circleville Department of Public Utilities has released its 2025 Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Report, confirming that the city’s tap water continues to meet or exceed all state and federal health and aesthetic standards.
The report, issued by Director of Public Utilities Brian Frost and Water Plant Superintendent Michael Smith, provides a detailed look at where the city’s water comes from and the results of rigorous testing conducted over the past year.
Source and Susceptibility
Circleville’s drinking water is drawn from four groundwater wells located at the Water Treatment Plant on Island Road. While the water currently meets all safety requirements, a study by the Ohio EPA has classified the local aquifer as having a high susceptibility to contamination.
Experts attribute this vulnerability to several geological factors:
- The protective clay layer above the water-rich zone is of minimal thickness.
- The aquifer is shallow, sitting less than 15 feet below the ground surface.
- There is a presence of significant potential contaminant sources within the designated protection area.
City officials noted that the likelihood of contamination can be minimized through continued protective measures.
2025 Test Results
Throughout 2025, the city sampled for a wide array of contaminants, including bacteria, inorganic chemicals, and disinfection byproducts. Most substances were not detected. Notable findings from the detected contaminants table include:
| Contaminant | Average Level Detected | MCL (Limit) | Status |
| Fluoride | 1.10 ppm | 4 ppm | Meets Standard |
| Total Chlorine | 1.16 ppm | 4.0 ppm (MRDL) | Meets Standard |
| Copper | 0.780 ppm | 1.3 ppm (Action Level) | Meets Standard |
| Barium | 0.13 ppm | 2 ppm | Meets Standard |
| TTHMs | 33.6 ppb | 80 ppb | Meets Standard |
Additionally, the city reported that in 2025, it maintained an unconditional license to operate its water system and did not need to utilize its emergency backup connection with the Earnhart Hill Water system.
Addressing Discolored Water and Lead Safety
The city has initiated its annual flushing program, which is expected to significantly reduce instances of discolored water for residents.
Regarding lead safety, the report clarifies that while the city is responsible for high-quality water, it cannot control materials used in private home plumbing. Residents concerned about lead exposure are encouraged to flush their taps for 30 seconds to 2 minutes if the water has been sitting for several hours. A full Service Line Inventory, listing the material types for specific locations, is available for public viewing at the Utilities Office on E. Franklin Street.
Public Participation
Residents who wish to participate in decisions concerning their drinking water are encouraged to attend the Circleville Service Committee meetings (fourth Tuesday of the month) or Circleville City Council meetings (first and third Tuesdays).
