Is Cairnbrook, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 1 unresolved violation on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.4/100
waterverge.com Cairnbrook, PA — Water Quality Report
Cairnbrook's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 910 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.9 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 57 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remains unresolved.
What to know about Cairnbrook's water
Cairnbrook ranks #21 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Cairnbrook 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, Cairnbrook may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cairnbrook, PA water safe to drink?
Cairnbrook's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (88.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 910 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cairnbrook
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cairnbrook's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.4/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Endrin, Toxaphene, Hexachlorocyclopentadiene.
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 Cairnbrook's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cairnbrook's water system has 57 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 1 remain unresolved. 2 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.
Where does Cairnbrook's water come from?
Cairnbrook's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 910 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Cairnbrook residents can do
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.
Cairnbrook'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 Cairnbrook
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cairnbrook, 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 | 7.7 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. | 0.9 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cairnbrook compares by contaminant
Explore where Cairnbrook ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cairnbrook's water comes from
Cairnbrook'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 910 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Cairnbrook
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAIRNBROOK IMPROVEMENT ASSN | PA4560021 | 910 | GW |
How Cairnbrook compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Cairnbrook's score of 88.4/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Cairnbrook, PA
Wikipedia →Cairnbrook is a census-designated place and coal town in Shade Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, United States. The community is located along Pennsylvania Route 160 within a mile of the borough of Central City. As of the 2010 census, the population was 520 residents.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cairnbrook's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Somerset
Frequently asked questions
Is Cairnbrook, PA tap water safe to drink?
Cairnbrook's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #21 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Cairnbrook's water?
Lead was measured at 0.9 ppb (90th percentile). 57 violations are on record.
How is Cairnbrook'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 Cairnbrook?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cairnbrook's water come from?
Cairnbrook's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 910 residents.
Is Cairnbrook's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cairnbrook 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 57 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 Cairnbrook's water compare to other cities?
Cairnbrook ranks #21 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 96% of state cities) and #3480 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Cairnbrook's small water system affect quality?
Cairnbrook's system serves approximately 910 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 57 violations on record.