Is Adamstown, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
82.7/100
waterverge.com Adamstown, PA — Water Quality Report
Adamstown's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,800 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 113 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Adamstown's water
Adamstown ranks #65 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Adamstown relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
As a small community water system, Adamstown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Adamstown, PA water safe to drink?
Adamstown's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (82.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Adamstown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Adamstown's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.7/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4030). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Adamstown's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Adamstown's water system has 113 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lancaster County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Blue Marsh Lake Near Bernville, Tulpehocken Cr At Blue Marsh Damsite Near Reading, Tulpehocken Creek Near Reading, Schuylkill River At Reading.
Where does Adamstown's water come from?
Adamstown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Blue Marsh Lake Near Bernville (lake), Tulpehocken Cr At Blue Marsh Damsite Near Reading (river), Tulpehocken Creek Near Reading (river), Schuylkill River At Reading (river).
What Adamstown residents can do
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Adamstown's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Adamstown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Adamstown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 270 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
HIGH CONCRETE GROUP LLC - DENVER FACILITY DENVER, PA17517 | Manganese | 261 | 3.0 mi |
HOFMANN INDUSTRIES INC SINKING SPRING, PA19608 | Zinc compounds | 6 | 6.0 mi |
KALAS MANUFACTURING INC PLANT 2 DENVER, PA17517 | Zinc compounds | 2 | 2.8 mi |
WER CORP DBA ALUMINUM ALLOYS SINKING SPRING, PA19608 | Lead | 0 | 5.9 mi |
KALAS MANUFACTURING INC PLANT 1 DENVER, PA17517 | — | — | 3.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Adamstown
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- RYELAND ROAD ARSENIC SITE9.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLancaster County is currently in D2 (severe drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Lancaster County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Adamstown's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.10 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 5.0 ppb (1993)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.100 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Adamstown compares by contaminant
Explore where Adamstown ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Adamstown's water comes from
Adamstown's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,800 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Adamstown
Adamstown is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Adamstown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADAMSTOWN BOROUGH | PA7360001 | 1,800 | GW |
How Adamstown compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Adamstown's score of 82.7/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Adamstown, PA
Wikipedia →Adamstown is a borough that is located in Lancaster County (primarily) and Berks County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Adamstown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lancaster
Frequently asked questions
Is Adamstown, PA tap water safe to drink?
Adamstown's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #65 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Adamstown's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 113 violations are on record.
How is Adamstown's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Adamstown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Adamstown's water come from?
Adamstown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,800 residents.
What health violations has Adamstown's water system had?
Adamstown has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Adamstown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Adamstown uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 113 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Adamstown's water compare to other cities?
Adamstown ranks #65 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 88% of state cities) and #6823 out of 15744 cities nationally (57th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Adamstown's small water system affect quality?
Adamstown's system serves approximately 1,800 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 113 violations on record.