WaterVerge

Is Biglerville, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded A-, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: PA7010020
Overall Score
89.9 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#11 of 560 in Pennsylvania Top 16% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
89.9/100
waterverge.com
A- 89.9/100

Biglerville, PA — Water Quality Report

Biglerville's drinking water received a grade of A- (89.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,621 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 95 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Biglerville's water

Biglerville ranks #11 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

Biglerville 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, Biglerville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
89.9 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
38.9/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
19/20
A
Lead at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Biglerville, PA water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Biglerville's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (89.9/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,621 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
2.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Biglerville

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Biglerville's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (89.9/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Fluoride.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
TROPICAL STORM LEE

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 Biglerville's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 2.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Biglerville's water system has 95 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherMCLTT
Most recent violations:
Oct 2024 Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U Resolved
Dec 2018 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Jan 2018 Fluoride Resolved
Jul 2013 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Apr 2010 Chlorine Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Adams 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 Mountain Creek Near Pine Grove Furnace, Swift Run At Brickcrafter Rd Nr New Oxford, Bermudian Creek At Oxford Road Nr Heidlersburg.

HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3356
TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA DR-4030
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA DR-3340

Where does Biglerville's water come from?

Biglerville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,621 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mountain Creek Near Pine Grove Furnace (river), Swift Run At Brickcrafter Rd Nr New Oxford (river), Bermudian Creek At Oxford Road Nr Heidlersburg (river).

What Biglerville residents can do

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Biglerville'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
2.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 13% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

95
Total violations
2
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Oct 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

95 Total
2 Active
2 Health-based
93 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
45
Nitrate Rule
11
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
11
Inorganic Chemicals
8
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
5
Jul 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2024 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Dec 2018 Resolved
Groundwater Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2018
Jan 2018 Resolved
Fluoride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2018
Jul 2013 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2013
Apr 2010 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2010
Jan 2007 Resolved
DICHLOROMETHANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2007 Resolved
p-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2007 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2007 Resolved
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2007 Resolved
1,2-Dichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2007 Resolved
1,1,1-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2007 Resolved
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2007 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2007 Resolved
Trichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2007 Resolved
Tetrachloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2007 Resolved
CHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2007 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Jan 2007 Resolved
Toluene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2007
Showing 20 of 95 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Biglerville

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Biglerville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
KNOUSE FOODS CORP INC MOUNTAIN ORCHARD COLD STORAGE
Food · KNOUSE FOODS COOP INC
ASPERS, PA17304
3.3 mi
MOTTS LLP
Food · KEURIG DR PEPPER
ASPERS, PA17304
3.5 mi
KNOUSE FOODS COOP INC PEACH GLEN PLANT
Food · KNOUSE FOODS COOP INC
PEACH GLEN, PA17375
6.5 mi
KNOUSE FOODS COOPERATIVE INC BIGLERVILLE PLANT
Food · KNOUSE FOODS COOP INC
BIGLERVILLE, PA17307
0.1 mi
DAL-TILE CORP LINCOLNWAY EAST PLANT
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · MOHAWK INDUSTRIES INC
GETTYSBURG, PA17325
7.4 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Biglerville

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Adams County is currently in D2 (severe 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
9.8%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Oct 2012
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Adams 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.

Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3356
Sep 2011
TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA #4030
Sep 2011
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA #3340
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3235
Sep 2004
TROPICAL DEPRESSION IVAN
Hurricane FEMA #1557
Jun 1996
FLOODING, SEVERE STORMS
Flood FEMA #1120

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 2.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 3.0 ppb from 1993 (10.0 ppb) to 1994 (13.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,621
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Biglerville's water comes from

Groundwater

Biglerville'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 2,621 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Biglerville

Biglerville is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Mountain Creek Near Pine Grove Furnace
river
Swift Run At Brickcrafter Rd Nr New Oxford
river
Bermudian Creek At Oxford Road Nr Heidlersburg
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Biglerville

System Name PWSID Population Source
BIGLERVILLE WATER CO PA7010020 2,501 GW
CASTLE HILL MHP PA7010014 120 GW
Regional Comparison

How Biglerville compares

Full Pennsylvania rankings →

Biglerville's score of 89.9/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Biglerville (this city)
89.9
Bryn Mawr
34.2
Mcmurray
86.8
Greensburg
46.7
Pennsylvania avg
49
City Profile

About Biglerville, PA

Wikipedia →

Biglerville is a borough in Adams County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,225 at the 2020 census. The National Apple Museum is located on West Hanover St. in Biglerville. The borough is home to Biglerville High School.

Economic Profile
$49,634
Median Income
$197,081
Median Home Value
$784/mo
Median Rent
10%
Unemployment
Community
35.5
Median Age
719
People / sq mi
19.7%
College Educated
61.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Biglerville, PA tap water safe to drink?

Biglerville's water quality earned a grade of A- (89.9/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #11 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.

What contaminants are in Biglerville's water?

Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 95 violations are on record.

How is Biglerville'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 Biglerville?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Biglerville's water come from?

Biglerville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,621 residents.

What health violations has Biglerville's water system had?

Biglerville has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.

Is Biglerville's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Biglerville 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 95 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 Biglerville's water compare to other cities?

Biglerville ranks #11 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 98% of state cities) and #2504 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.