From Palmer for Galion
A new Ohio EPA document released on July 17, 2025 provides the latest look at how the City of Galion’s water system performed during calendar‑year 2024 sampling. Here’s what it means for your family, pets, and even your tomato plants.
Quick snapshot
| Indicator | 2024 result | Federal limit | Pass/Fail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nitrate | 0.20 ppm | 10 ppm | Pass |
| Fluoride | 0.14 ppm | 4 ppm | Pass |
| Lead (90th percentile) | <2 ppb | 15 ppb | Pass |
| Copper (90th percentile) | 0.059 ppm | 1.3 ppm | Pass |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) – running average | 77.1 ppb | 80 ppb | Near‑limit |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) – running average | 25.8 ppb | 60 ppb | Pass |
| PFBA (a PFAS compound) | 0.0062 ppb | No federal standard* | Trace |
*The U.S. EPA has not yet set an enforceable standard for PFBA, but the amount detected is orders of magnitude below any proposed health‑based guidance.
What’s safe – and what needs watching
People
All regulated contaminants were below federal Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). The only red‑flag item is TTHM, a disinfection by‑product linked to long‑term health concerns. Galion’s system came in 3 ppb under the legal limit, yet a single high grab sample reached 87.6 ppb. Because of repeated TTHM spikes in past years, the city still holds a “conditioned” license and must show six consecutive quarters of full compliance once plant upgrades finish.
Pets
Dogs and cats can safely drink municipal tap water that meets human health standards. Routine chlorine levels (average 1.32 ppm) pose no hazard to healthy animals, though fish owners should dechlorinate aquarium water.
Plants
With nitrate under 1 ppm and low overall mineral content, Galion tap is fine for most houseplants and gardens. Sensitive species may show leaf tip burn from chlorine—just draw water, let it sit for 24 hours, and the free chlorine will dissipate.
How the city is fixing the TTHM problem
Ohio EPA’s 2023 Findings & Orders require:
- Clarifier rehabilitation – finished April 2024
- Elevated tank mixing – operational June 2024
- Clearwell mixing/aeration – to be added if needed
- Twelve‑month performance window followed by six straight quarters of compliance
Until the full window closes, Galion remains under closer state oversight but not under a boil order or bottled‑water advisory.
What’s coming next
The 2025 monitoring schedule calls for quarterly dual samples (TTHM + HAA5) at two distribution points—January, April, July, and October—plus routine coliform, nitrate, lead, and copper checks. Results will be posted on the city website after each lab run.
Bottom line
- Safe for everyday drinking and cooking. No current violations exist.
- Keep informed if you’re immunocompromised or pregnant. Stay tuned for TTHM updates in early 2026 when the compliance clock ends.
- Use as‑is for pets and lawns. For picky houseplants or aquariums, let water sit before use.
From the Campaign
The other candidates for Mayor have not advanced concrete plans to deal with utility costs and keeping rates as low as possible. For more on Thomas’ views on City of Galion utilities, click here.
NOTE: This information is only as accurate as it can be based on the sources from which it was obtained.