Is Bellwood, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
85.7/100
waterverge.com Bellwood, PA — Water Quality Report
Bellwood's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,162 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 46 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bellwood's water
Bellwood ranks #40 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it one of the best 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.
As a small community water system, Bellwood may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bellwood, PA water safe to drink?
Bellwood's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (85.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,162 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Bellwood
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bellwood's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.7/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Bellwood's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Bellwood's water system has 46 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Blair 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 Frankstown Br Juniata River At Williamsburg, Bald Eagle Creek At Tyrone.
Where does Bellwood's water come from?
Bellwood's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,162 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Frankstown Br Juniata River At Williamsburg (river), Bald Eagle Creek At Tyrone (river).
What Bellwood 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.
Bellwood'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 Bellwood
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bellwood, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 4 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALPHA ASSEMBLY SOLUTIONS ALTOONA, PA16602 | Lead compounds | 4 | 9.1 mi |
AMERWAY INC ALTOONA, PA16601 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
SYNTHEX ORGANICS LLC ALTOONA, PA16601 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ALTOONA, PA16601 | — | — | 5.9 mi |
CHICAGO RIVET & MACHINE CO TYRONE, PA16686 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Bellwood
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.
- DELTA QUARRIES DISPOSAL INC STOTLER LANDFILL3.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Blair 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Bellwood'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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 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. | 3.10 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.100 mg/L (1992)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Bellwood compares by contaminant
Explore where Bellwood ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bellwood's water comes from
Bellwood'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 3,162 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bellwood
Bellwood is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Bellwood
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BELLWOOD BORO AUTH | PA4070009 | 3,162 | SWP |
How Bellwood compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Bellwood's score of 85.7/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Bellwood, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bellwood's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Blair
Frequently asked questions
Is Bellwood, PA tap water safe to drink?
Bellwood's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #40 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Bellwood's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 46 violations are on record.
How is Bellwood'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 Bellwood?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bellwood's water come from?
Bellwood's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,162 residents.
What health violations has Bellwood's water system had?
Bellwood has 1 health-based violation 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. 2 violations remain unresolved.
How does Bellwood's water compare to other cities?
Bellwood ranks #40 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 93% of state cities) and #5153 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bellwood's small water system affect quality?
Bellwood's system serves approximately 3,162 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 46 violations on record.