Is Bainbridge, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77/100
waterverge.com Bainbridge, PA — Water Quality Report
Bainbridge's drinking water received a grade of B (77 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,295 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 165 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bainbridge's water
Bainbridge ranks #121 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Bainbridge 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, Bainbridge may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bainbridge, PA water safe to drink?
Bainbridge's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B (77/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,295 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bainbridge
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bainbridge's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77/100).
Contaminants: 2,4,5-TP, ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE, Dinoseb.
Contaminants: Nitrite, Nitrate, TTHM.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Bainbridge's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Bainbridge's water system has 165 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 10 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 Swatara Creek At Middletown, Fishing Creek At Goldsboro, Little Conewago Crk, Gingrich Rd At Upper Lawn, Conewago Creek Near Bellaire, Conewago Creek Near Falmouth.
Where does Bainbridge's water come from?
Bainbridge's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,295 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Swatara Creek At Middletown (river), Fishing Creek At Goldsboro (river), Little Conewago Crk, Gingrich Rd At Upper Lawn (river), Conewago Creek Near Bellaire (river), Conewago Creek Near Falmouth (river).
What Bainbridge 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.
Bainbridge'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 Bainbridge
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bainbridge, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 3,259 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ARMSTRONG WORLD INDUSTRIES MARIETTA, PA17547 | Ammonia | 1,603 | 4.3 mi |
DONSCO INC WRIGHTSVILLE, PA17368 | Manganese | 894 | 8.0 mi |
DONSCO INC MOUNT JOY, PA17552 | Manganese | 681 | 8.5 mi |
ENVIRITE OF PENNSYLVANIA INC YORK, PA17404 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 44 | 8.7 mi |
MOUNT JOY WIRE CORP MOUNT JOY, PA17552 | Lead | 38 | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Bainbridge
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.
- ELIZABETHTOWN LANDFILL3.9 mi
- EAST MOUNT ZION5.7 mi
- UGI COLUMBIA GAS PLANT9.4 mi
- MODERN SANITATION LANDFILL9.5 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.
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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bainbridge compares by contaminant
Explore where Bainbridge ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bainbridge's water comes from
Bainbridge'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 1,295 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Bainbridge
Bainbridge is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bainbridge
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAINBRIDGE WATER AUTHORITY | PA7360003 | 1,200 | GW |
| KINGS RIVER HAVEN MHP | PA7360002 | 95 | GW |
How Bainbridge compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Bainbridge's score of 77/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Bainbridge, PA
Wikipedia →Bainbridge is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Conoy Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, United States, with a ZIP code of 17502. Bainbridge is located along Pennsylvania Route 441. As of the 2020 census, the population was 1,536.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bainbridge's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lancaster
Frequently asked questions
Is Bainbridge, PA tap water safe to drink?
Bainbridge's water quality earned a grade of B (77/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #121 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Bainbridge's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 165 violations are on record.
How is Bainbridge'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 Bainbridge?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bainbridge's water come from?
Bainbridge's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,295 residents.
What health violations has Bainbridge's water system had?
Bainbridge has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bainbridge's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bainbridge 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 165 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 Bainbridge's water compare to other cities?
Bainbridge ranks #121 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 78% of state cities) and #9138 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.