Is Alburtis, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
87/100
waterverge.com Alburtis, PA — Water Quality Report
Alburtis's drinking water received a grade of A- (87 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,117 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 24 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Alburtis's water
Alburtis ranks #29 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Alburtis 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, Alburtis may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Alburtis, PA water safe to drink?
Alburtis's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (87/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,117 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Alburtis
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Alburtis's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3340). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Alburtis's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Alburtis's water system has 24 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lehigh County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Little Lehigh Creek Near Trexlertown, Spring Creek At Trexlertown, Little Lehigh Creek Near Allentown, Cedar Creek At Mouth Near Allentown, Little Lehigh Creek At Tenth St. Br. At Allentown.
Where does Alburtis's water come from?
Alburtis's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,117 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Lehigh Creek Near Trexlertown (river), Spring Creek At Trexlertown (river), Little Lehigh Creek Near Allentown (river), Cedar Creek At Mouth Near Allentown (river), Little Lehigh Creek At Tenth St. Br. At Allentown (river).
What Alburtis residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Alburtis's water.
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.
Alburtis'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 Alburtis
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Alburtis, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 246,051 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GEO SPECIALTY CHEMICALS TRIMET PRODUCTS GROUP ALLENTOWN, PA18104 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 161,511 | 9.3 mi |
NESTLE PURINA PETCARE CO ALLENTOWN, PA18104 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 84,316 | 7.7 mi |
AMERICAN CRAFT BREWERY LLC BREINIGSVILLE, PA18031 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 218 | 5.0 mi |
EAST PENN MFG CO INC KUTZTOWN WIRE & CABLE DIV KUTZTOWN, PA19530 | Copper | 7 | 9.0 mi |
AERC RECYCLING SOLUTIONS ALLENTOWN, PA18103 | Mercury | 0 | 7.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Alburtis
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.
- BERKS SAND PIT3.2 mi
- CROSSLEY FARM5.0 mi
- RODALE MANUFACTURING CO INC5.9 mi
- BALLY GROUND WATER CONTAMINATION7.5 mi
- NOVAK SANITARY LANDFILL9.0 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtLehigh County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Lehigh County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Alburtis compares by contaminant
Explore where Alburtis ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Alburtis's water comes from
Alburtis'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 2,117 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Alburtis
Alburtis is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Alburtis
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALBURTIS BOROUGH AUTHORITY | PA3390045 | 2,117 | GW |
How Alburtis compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Alburtis's score of 87/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Alburtis, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Alburtis's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lehigh
Frequently asked questions
Is Alburtis, PA tap water safe to drink?
Alburtis's water quality earned a grade of A- (87/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #29 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Alburtis's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 24 violations are on record.
How is Alburtis'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 Alburtis?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Alburtis's water come from?
Alburtis's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,117 residents.
Is Alburtis's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Alburtis 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 24 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 Alburtis's water compare to other cities?
Alburtis ranks #29 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 95% of state cities) and #4329 out of 15744 cities nationally (73th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Alburtis's small water system affect quality?
Alburtis's system serves approximately 2,117 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 24 violations on record.