Is Beaver Meadows, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+ — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
54.5/100
waterverge.com Beaver Meadows, PA — Water Quality Report
Beaver Meadows's drinking water received a grade of D+ (54.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 968 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 16.0 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 146 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Beaver Meadows's water
Beaver Meadows ranks #296 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average 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.
As a small community water system, Beaver Meadows may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Beaver Meadows, PA water safe to drink?
Beaver Meadows's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (54.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 968 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Beaver Meadows
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Beaver Meadows's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (54.5/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Beaver Meadows's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Beaver Meadows's water system has 146 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Carbon County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Hazleton Pond Gage No. 1 Near Beaver Meadows, Little Schuylkill River At Tamaqua, L Nescopeck Creek Tributary Near Freeland.
Where does Beaver Meadows's water come from?
Beaver Meadows's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 968 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Hazleton Pond Gage No. 1 Near Beaver Meadows (lake), Little Schuylkill River At Tamaqua (river), L Nescopeck Creek Tributary Near Freeland (river).
What Beaver Meadows residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Beaver Meadows'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.
Beaver Meadows'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 Beaver Meadows
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Beaver Meadows, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 703 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
VERSUM MATERIALS US LLC TAMAQUA, PA18252 | Hydrogen fluoride | 677 | 8.9 mi |
HENKEL US OPERATION CORP HAZLETON, PA18202 | Zinc compounds | 26 | 6.2 mi |
SILGAN WHITE CAP CORP HAZLETON, PA18202 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
MULTI-PLASTICS EXTRUSIONS INC. HAZLETON, PA18201 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
JOHNS MANVILLE HAZLETON, PA18202 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Beaver Meadows
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.
- TONOLLI CORP5.7 mi
- VALMONT TCE SITE FORMER VALMONT INDUSTRIAL PARK6.0 mi
- EASTERN DIVERSIFIED METALS8.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtCarbon 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
Carbon County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Beaver Meadows'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. | 16.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Beaver Meadows compares by contaminant
Explore where Beaver Meadows ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Beaver Meadows's water comes from
Beaver Meadows'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 968 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Beaver Meadows
Beaver Meadows is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Beaver Meadows
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAVER MEADOWS BOROUGH | PA3130002 | 968 | SWP |
How Beaver Meadows compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Beaver Meadows's score of 54.5/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Beaver Meadows, PA
Wikipedia →Beaver Meadows is a borough in Carbon County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The population was 897 at the 2020 U.S. census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Beaver Meadows's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Carbon
Frequently asked questions
Is Beaver Meadows, PA tap water safe to drink?
Beaver Meadows's water quality earned a grade of D+ (54.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #296 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Beaver Meadows's water?
Lead was measured at 16.0 ppb (90th percentile). 146 violations are on record.
How is Beaver Meadows'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 Beaver Meadows?
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 Beaver Meadows's water come from?
Beaver Meadows's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 968 residents.
What health violations has Beaver Meadows's water system had?
Beaver Meadows has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
How does Beaver Meadows's water compare to other cities?
Beaver Meadows ranks #296 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 47% of state cities) and #12599 out of 15744 cities nationally (20th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Beaver Meadows's small water system affect quality?
Beaver Meadows's system serves approximately 968 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 146 violations on record.