Is Beavertown, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
48.5/100
waterverge.com Beavertown, PA — Water Quality Report
Beavertown's drinking water received a grade of D (48.5 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 935 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 18.0 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 212 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Beavertown's water
Beavertown ranks #344 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Beavertown 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.
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, Beavertown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 18 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Beavertown, PA water safe to drink?
Beavertown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 935 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Beavertown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Beavertown's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48.5/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Groundwater Rule, Combined Uranium.
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 Beavertown's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Beavertown's water system has 212 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 18 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Snyder County has experienced 10 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 Penns Creek At Penns Creek.
Where does Beavertown's water come from?
Beavertown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 935 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Penns Creek At Penns Creek (river).
What Beavertown residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Beavertown'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.
Beavertown'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 Beavertown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Beavertown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARGILL FEED & NUTRITION MARTINSBURG MARTINSBURG, PA16662 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Snyder County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Beavertown'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. | 18.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.72 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.720 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Beavertown compares by contaminant
Explore where Beavertown ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Beavertown's water comes from
Beavertown'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 935 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Beavertown
Beavertown is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Beavertown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BEAVERTOWN MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY | PA4550012 | 935 | GW |
How Beavertown compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Beavertown's score of 48.5/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Beavertown, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Beavertown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Snyder
Frequently asked questions
Is Beavertown, PA tap water safe to drink?
Beavertown's water quality earned a grade of D (48.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #344 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Beavertown's water?
Lead was measured at 18.0 ppb (90th percentile). 212 violations are on record.
How is Beavertown'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 Beavertown?
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 Beavertown's water come from?
Beavertown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 935 residents.
What health violations has Beavertown's water system had?
Beavertown 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Beavertown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Beavertown 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 212 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 Beavertown's water compare to other cities?
Beavertown ranks #344 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 39% of state cities) and #13455 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Beavertown's small water system affect quality?
Beavertown's system serves approximately 935 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 212 violations on record.