Is Alum Bank, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.5/100
waterverge.com Alum Bank, PA — Water Quality Report
Alum Bank's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 715 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 75 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Alum Bank's water
Alum Bank ranks #52 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Alum Bank 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, Alum Bank may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Alum Bank, PA water safe to drink?
Alum Bank's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (84.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 715 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Alum Bank
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Alum Bank's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.5/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4099). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Alum Bank's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Alum Bank's water system has 75 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bedford County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 Raystown Branch Juniata River At Wolfsburg, Dunning Creek At Belden.
Where does Alum Bank's water come from?
Alum Bank's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 715 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Raystown Branch Juniata River At Wolfsburg (river), Dunning Creek At Belden (river).
What Alum Bank residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Alum Bank'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.
Alum Bank'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBedford 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
Bedford County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 Alum Bank compares by contaminant
Explore where Alum Bank ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Alum Bank's water comes from
Alum Bank'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 715 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Alum Bank
Alum Bank is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Alum Bank
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| W STCLAIR PLEASANTVILLE MUNI | PA4050020 | 715 | GW |
How Alum Bank compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Alum Bank's score of 84.5/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Alum Bank, PA
Wikipedia →Pleasantville, also known as Alum Bank, is a borough in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 191 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Alum Bank's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bedford
Frequently asked questions
Is Alum Bank, PA tap water safe to drink?
Alum Bank's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #52 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Alum Bank's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 75 violations are on record.
How is Alum Bank'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 Alum Bank?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Alum Bank's water come from?
Alum Bank's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 715 residents.
What health violations has Alum Bank's water system had?
Alum Bank 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Alum Bank's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Alum Bank 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 75 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 Alum Bank's water compare to other cities?
Alum Bank ranks #52 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 91% of state cities) and #5881 out of 15744 cities nationally (63th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Alum Bank's small water system affect quality?
Alum Bank's system serves approximately 715 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 75 violations on record.