Is Boswell, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 23 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.4/100
waterverge.com Boswell, PA — Water Quality Report
Boswell's drinking water received a grade of B (77.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,476 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 137 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Boswell's water
Boswell ranks #116 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average 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.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Boswell, PA water safe to drink?
Boswell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,476 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Boswell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Boswell's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.4/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4099). 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 Boswell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Boswell's water system has 137 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Somerset 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 Stonycreek River At Ferndale.
Where does Boswell's water come from?
Boswell's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,476 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Stonycreek River At Ferndale (river).
What Boswell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Boswell'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.
Boswell'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 Boswell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Boswell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 213 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NORTH AMERICAN HOGANAS HOLLSOPPLE, PA15935 | Manganese compounds | 213 | 5.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSomerset 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Somerset 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.
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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Boswell compares by contaminant
Explore where Boswell ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Boswell's water comes from
Boswell'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 3,476 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Boswell
Boswell is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Boswell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOSWELL BORO MUNI AUTH | PA4560030 | 2,900 | SWP |
| JENNER TWP MUNI AUTH | PA4560017 | 576 | SWP |
How Boswell compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Boswell's score of 77.4/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Boswell, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Boswell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Somerset
Frequently asked questions
Is Boswell, PA tap water safe to drink?
Boswell's water quality earned a grade of B (77.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #116 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Boswell's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 137 violations are on record.
How is Boswell'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 Boswell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Boswell's water come from?
Boswell's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,476 residents.
What health violations has Boswell's water system had?
Boswell has 4 health-based violations 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. 23 violations remain unresolved.
How does Boswell's water compare to other cities?
Boswell ranks #116 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 79% of state cities) and #9003 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.