Is Bessemer, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.6/100
waterverge.com Bessemer, PA — Water Quality Report
Bessemer's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 84 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Bessemer's water
Bessemer ranks #59 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Bessemer 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Bessemer may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Bessemer, PA water safe to drink?
Bessemer's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Bessemer
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Bessemer's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.6/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3235). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Bessemer's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Bessemer's water system has 84 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lawrence County has experienced 5 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 Crab Creek At Youngstown, Mahoning River At Lowellville, Shenango River Near West New Castle.
Where does Bessemer's water come from?
Bessemer's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Crab Creek At Youngstown (river), Mahoning River At Lowellville (river), Shenango River Near West New Castle (river).
What Bessemer residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Bessemer'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.
Bessemer'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 Bessemer
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Bessemer, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 8 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ELLWOOD QUALITY STEELS CO NEW CASTLE, PA16101 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 8 | 7.5 mi |
ELLWOOD MILL PRODUCTS NEW CASTLE, PA16101 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
NORTH AMERICAN FORGEMASTERS NEW CASTLE, PA16101 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
FLOWLINE DIV EZEFLOW USA INC. NEW CASTLE, PA16101 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
BPI INC NEW CASTLE PLANT NEW CASTLE, PA16102 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Lawrence County has experienced 5 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 Bessemer'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. | 6.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Bessemer compares by contaminant
Explore where Bessemer ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Bessemer's water comes from
Bessemer'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 1,100 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Bessemer
Bessemer is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Bessemer
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BESSEMER BOROUGH WATER DEPT | PA6370003 | 1,100 | GW |
How Bessemer compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Bessemer's score of 83.6/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Bessemer, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Bessemer's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lawrence
Frequently asked questions
Is Bessemer, PA tap water safe to drink?
Bessemer's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #59 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Bessemer's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 84 violations are on record.
How is Bessemer'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 Bessemer?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Bessemer's water come from?
Bessemer's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 residents.
What health violations has Bessemer's water system had?
Bessemer has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Bessemer's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Bessemer 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 84 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 Bessemer's water compare to other cities?
Bessemer ranks #59 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 89% of state cities) and #6343 out of 15744 cities nationally (60th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Bessemer's small water system affect quality?
Bessemer's system serves approximately 1,100 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 84 violations on record.