Behind the Tap
The Northeast Ohio Water Investigation
What's really in the water we drink? We're following Northeast Ohio's drinking water from Lake Erie and groundwater sources, through treatment plants and distribution systems, through aging service lines and household plumbing, and ultimately to the kitchen faucet. We're not starting with an answer. We're starting with a question.
Six parts. One question.
What are we investigating?
Cleveland Water's treatment plants may be doing their job. The real question is what happens after the water leaves them — through aging mains, lead service lines, old solder, brass fixtures, and the plumbing inside your home. We're examining the gap between treatment plant compliance and what actually reaches the tap.
Northeast Ohio Water Transparency Map
We're building a public map of water quality data across Northeast Ohio — treatment plants, service line inventories, monitoring results, and violation records. Coming as the investigation develops.
How we're testing and what we're measuring
We're testing water inside Northeast Ohio homes before and after filtration installation. Parameters include lead, copper, bacteria, manganese, nitrates, hardness, pH, and more. Samples are processed by a certified water laboratory. Every result will be published.
Sources, records, and evidence
Every claim in this investigation is backed by primary sources — Cleveland Water's 2025 Water Quality Report, EPA Lake Erie data, NEORSD monitoring records, peer-reviewed research, and our own field testing. Don't take our word for it.
Podcast, video, and field reporting
Season 1 of the Ainthavinit podcast follows the investigation across 12 episodes with expert interviews from Cleveland Water, a certified water laboratory, Cuyahoga County Public Health, Ohio EPA, and NEORSD. A feature documentary is in development.
The 20 Families Cleaner Water Initiative
Our goal is to raise $50,000 to identify 20 Northeast Ohio families with legitimate water-quality concerns and provide appropriate water-treatment solutions at no cost. We test first. We understand the problem. Then we treat it. Then we retest. Then we publish everything.
You're not just a reader. You're part of the investigation.
Test My Water
Apply to participate in the Behind the Tap investigation. We test your water, explain the results, and — if needed — provide treatment at no cost.
Apply NowNominate a Family
Know someone in Northeast Ohio with water concerns? Nominate them for the 20 Families project.
Submit a NominationSupport the Project
Lab testing, equipment, and field reporting cost money. Help fund the investigation and the 20 Families initiative.
Support the WorkDon't believe us?
Good.
Every claim in this investigation is backed by primary sources. Every episode of the podcast has a corresponding document file. Read the sources. Examine the data. That's the point.
This Investigation Costs Money.
Lab testing, records requests, field reporting — independent investigative journalism doesn't fund itself. Your support keeps this investigation going.