Is Benton, 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 ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Benton, PA — Water Quality Report
Benton's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,373 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 36.0 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 147 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Benton's water
Benton ranks #326 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Benton 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, Benton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 19 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Benton, PA water safe to drink?
Benton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,373 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Benton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Benton's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
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 Benton'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
Benton's water system has 147 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 15 remain unresolved. 19 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Columbia 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 Fishing Creek At Grassmere Park, Huntington Creek At Jonestown, Fishing Creek Near Bloomsburg.
Where does Benton's water come from?
Benton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,373 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Fishing Creek At Grassmere Park (river), Huntington Creek At Jonestown (river), Fishing Creek Near Bloomsburg (river).
What Benton residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Benton'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.
Benton'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 Benton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Benton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BENTON FOUNDRY INC BENTON, PA17814 | — | — | 5.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Columbia 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 Benton'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. | 36.0 | 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. | 3.41 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 36.0 ppb (1993)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.410 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Benton compares by contaminant
Explore where Benton ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Benton's water comes from
Benton'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 1,373 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Benton
Benton is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Benton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BENTON MUNICIPAL WATER AUTH | PA4190014 | 1,333 | GU |
| LEHET VILLAGE | PA4190025 | 40 | GW |
How Benton compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Benton's score of 50/100 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 Benton, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Benton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Columbia
Frequently asked questions
Is Benton, PA tap water safe to drink?
Benton's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #326 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Benton's water?
Lead was measured at 36.0 ppb (90th percentile). 147 violations are on record.
How is Benton'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 Benton?
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 Benton's water come from?
Benton's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,373 residents.
What health violations has Benton's water system had?
Benton has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 15 violations remain unresolved.
Is Benton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Benton 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 147 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 Benton's water compare to other cities?
Benton ranks #326 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 42% of state cities) and #13144 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.