Is Berwyn, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Berwyn, PA — Water Quality Report
Berwyn's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 891 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 315 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved.
What to know about Berwyn's water
Berwyn ranks #377 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Berwyn 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, Berwyn may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 105 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Berwyn, PA water safe to drink?
Berwyn's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 891 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Berwyn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Berwyn's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Groundwater Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Berwyn'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
Berwyn's water system has 315 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 36 remain unresolved. 105 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Chester County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 Valley Creek At Pa Turnpike Br Near Valley Forge, Stony Creek At Sterigere Street At Norristown, Schuylkill River At Norristown, Schuylkill River At Conshohocken, Naylor Creek At Upper Darby.
Where does Berwyn's water come from?
Berwyn's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 891 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Valley Creek At Pa Turnpike Br Near Valley Forge (river), Stony Creek At Sterigere Street At Norristown (river), Schuylkill River At Norristown (river), Schuylkill River At Conshohocken (river), Naylor Creek At Upper Darby (river).
What Berwyn residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Berwyn'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.
Berwyn'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 Berwyn
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Berwyn, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 45 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS PLATE LLC CONSHOHOCKEN FACILITY CONSHOHOCKEN, PA19428 | Manganese | 33 | 7.5 mi |
COOPERS CREEK CHEMICAL CORP CONSHOHOCKEN, PA19428 | Cresol (mixed isomers) | 7 | 6.9 mi |
METALLURGICAL PRODUCTS CO WEST CHESTER, PA19380 | Nickel | 5 | 9.3 mi |
DAVIS VISION NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA19073 | — | — | 4.0 mi |
JOHNSON MATTHEY INC WAYNE, PA19087 | — | — | 2.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Berwyn
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.
- PAOLI RAIL YARD2.7 mi
- STANLEY KESSLER5.6 mi
- HENDERSON ROAD5.7 mi
- COMMODORE SEMICONDUCTOR GROUP6.0 mi
- CRATER RESOURCES INC KEYSTONE COKE CO ALAN WOOD STEEL CO6.0 mi
+ 6 more sites
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtMonroe 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
Chester County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Berwyn'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 2.11 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.110 mg/L (2003)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Berwyn compares by contaminant
Explore where Berwyn ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Berwyn's water comes from
Berwyn'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 private ownership and serves approximately 891 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Berwyn
Berwyn is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Berwyn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BIG SPRING TERRACE MHP | PA7210039 | 439 | GW |
| CHESAPEAKE ESTATES MOBILE HOME PARK | MD0070211 | 159 | GW |
| BARTON COURT | PA2450005 | 118 | GW |
| FREEMANSBURG MHC | PA3480012 | 90 | GW |
| ROYAL OAKS MHP | PA3480044 | 85 | GW |
How Berwyn compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Berwyn's score of 46/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Berwyn, PA
Wikipedia →Berwyn is a census-designated place (CDP) in Chester County, Pennsylvania, United States. Berwyn is located in Tredyffrin and Easttown townships. As of the 2020 census, Berwyn had a population of 3,775. The area is part of the Philadelphia Main Line suburbs.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Berwyn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cumberland
Frequently asked questions
Is Berwyn, PA tap water safe to drink?
Berwyn's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #377 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Berwyn's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 315 violations are on record.
How is Berwyn'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 Berwyn?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Berwyn's water come from?
Berwyn's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 891 residents.
What health violations has Berwyn's water system had?
Berwyn has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 36 violations remain unresolved.
Is Berwyn's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Berwyn 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 315 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 Berwyn's water compare to other cities?
Berwyn ranks #377 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 33% of state cities) and #14069 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.