WaterVerge

Is Annville, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded F — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

4K residents served 6 water systems PWSID: PA7380044
Overall Score
31 / 100
Violations
37 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#519 of 560 in Pennsylvania Top 100% nationally
State
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
FGRADE
Water Quality Grade
31/100
waterverge.com
F 31/100

Annville, PA — Water Quality Report

Annville's drinking water received a grade of F (31 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 4,052 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 76.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 551 violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 37 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Annville's water

Annville ranks #519 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.

Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.

The system has seen 107 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
31 out of 100 Grade F
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
2/20
F
Lead at 76.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Annville, PA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Annville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (31/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 4,052 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

37
Active Violations
76.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
9 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Annville

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Annville's water quality assessment. Grade: F (31/100).

Violation
5 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Radium-226, Radium-228.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine, Groundwater Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
TROPICAL STORM LEE

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 Annville's water supply.

Lead Exceeds Limit
Detected: 76.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.

Violation history

Annville's water system has 551 total violations on record, including 8 health-based violations. 37 remain unresolved. 107 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRMONOtherTTMCL
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U Resolved
Oct 2025 Radium-226 Resolved
Oct 2025 Radium-228 Resolved
Oct 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Oct 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Lebanon County has experienced 9 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 Swatara Creek Near Inwood, Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern, Quittapahilla Creek Near Bellegrove, Swatara Creek Near Palmyra, Little Conewago Crk, Gingrich Rd At Upper Lawn.

HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3356
TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA DR-4030
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA DR-3340

Where does Annville's water come from?

Annville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 4,052 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Swatara Creek Near Inwood (river), Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern (river), Quittapahilla Creek Near Bellegrove (river), Swatara Creek Near Palmyra (river), Little Conewago Crk, Gingrich Rd At Upper Lawn (river).

What Annville residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Annville's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Annville'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Over Limit
76.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · +20% over limit
Exceeds LimitFilter: NSF-53
Compliance Record

Violation summary

551
Total violations
8
Health-based
37
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

551 Total
37 Active
8 Health-based
514 Resolved
18 SNC
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
122
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
119
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
76
Ground Water Rule
50
Inorganic Chemicals
49
Oct 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2018 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Mar 2017 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Apr 2016 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Other Violation 0
Sep 2015 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2014 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2013 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2013 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Sep 2012 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Sep 2012 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 551 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Annville

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Annville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 51,739 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
KEYSTONE PROTEIN CO
Food · SECHLER FAMILY FOODS
FREDERICKSBURG, PA17026
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)51,3258.9 mi
V&S LEBANON GALVANIZING LLC
Fabricated Metals · VOIGT & SCHWEITZER LLC
JONESTOWN, PA17038
Zinc compounds4148.0 mi
BQC FOUNDRY
Primary Metals · NA
LEBANON, PA17042
Lead07.3 mi
US ARMY NATIONAL GUARD FORT INDIANTOWN GAP-WWTP
Other · US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
ANNVILLE, PA17003
1.0 mi
BLUESCOPE BUILDINGS NA
Fabricated Metals · BLUESCOPE BUILDINGS NORTH AMERICA INC
ANNVILLE, PA17003
0.5 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Annville

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Lehigh 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.

5.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
7
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

9
Declared disasters
Oct 2012
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Lebanon County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3356
Sep 2011
TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA #4030
Sep 2011
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA #3340
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3235
Sep 2004
TROPICAL DEPRESSION IVAN
Hurricane FEMA #1557
Jan 1996
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1093

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Annville's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead level (76.0 ppb) exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 76.0 15 ppb Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 57.0 ppb from 1993 (19.0 ppb) to 2025 (76.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
State
Population Served
4,052
Water Systems
6
Source breakdown
Groundwater
5
Purchased Surface Water
1
Water Source

Where Annville's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Annville's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.

Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.

The system is operated by state ownership and serves approximately 4,052 people through 6 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Annville

Annville is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Swatara Creek Near Inwood
river
Swatara Creek At Harper Tavern
river
Quittapahilla Creek Near Bellegrove
river
Swatara Creek Near Palmyra
river
Little Conewago Crk, Gingrich Rd At Upper Lawn
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Annville

System Name PWSID Population Source
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP PA7380044 3,100 SWP
PALM CITY PARK PA7380005 490 GW
CRESTVIEW VILLAGE MHP PA7220024 223 GW
COUNTRYSIDE CHRISTIAN COMM PA7380001 100 GW
TERRYHILL ESTATES MHP PA3390031 90 GW
LOCUST GROVE MHP PA7380008 49 GW
Regional Comparison

How Annville compares

Full Pennsylvania rankings →

Annville's score of 31/100 is below the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Annville (this city)
31
Bryn Mawr
34.2
Mcmurray
86.8
Greensburg
46.7
Pennsylvania avg
49
City Profile

About Annville, PA

Wikipedia →

Annville Township is a township and census-designated place in Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 4,767 at the 2010 census.

Economic Profile
$64,732
Median Income
$179,858
Median Home Value
$948/mo
Median Rent
5.3%
Unemployment
Community
24.3
Median Age
1,149
People / sq mi
36.8%
College Educated
59.1%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Annville, PA tap water safe to drink?

Annville's water quality earned a grade of F (31/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #519 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.

What contaminants are in Annville's water?

Lead was measured at 76.0 ppb (90th percentile). 551 violations are on record.

How is Annville'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 Annville?

Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Annville's water come from?

Annville's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 4,052 residents.

What health violations has Annville's water system had?

Annville has 8 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 37 violations remain unresolved.

How does Annville's water compare to other cities?

Annville ranks #519 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 7% of state cities) and #15660 out of 15744 cities nationally (1th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.