Is Cambridge Springs, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
43.3/100
waterverge.com Cambridge Springs, PA — Water Quality Report
Cambridge Springs's drinking water received a grade of F (43.3 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,798 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 16.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 253 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cambridge Springs's water
Cambridge Springs ranks #409 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Cambridge Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cambridge Springs, PA water safe to drink?
Cambridge Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,798 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Cambridge Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cambridge Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43.3/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
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 Cambridge Springs's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Cambridge Springs's water system has 253 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 16 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Crawford County has experienced 7 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 French Creek At Cambridge Springs, Woodcock Creek At Blooming Valley, Woodcock Creek Lake Near Saegertown, Woodcock Creek At Woodcock Creek Dam.
Where does Cambridge Springs's water come from?
Cambridge Springs's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,798 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include French Creek At Cambridge Springs (river), Woodcock Creek At Blooming Valley (river), Woodcock Creek Lake Near Saegertown (lake), Woodcock Creek At Woodcock Creek Dam (river).
What Cambridge Springs residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cambridge Springs'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.
Cambridge Springs'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 Cambridge Springs
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cambridge Springs, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MEADVILLE FORGING CO MEADVILLE, PA16335 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
US BRONZE FOUNDRY & MACHINE INC. MEADVILLE, PA16335 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
ORRVILLE BRONZE & ALUMINUM LLC MEADVILLE, PA16335 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
MEADVILLE FORGING CO CAMBRIDGE SPRINGS, PA16403 | — | — | 0.5 mi |
PENN UNION CO. LLC EDINBORO, PA16412 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Cambridge Springs
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.
- SAEGERTOWN INDUSTRIAL AREA7.2 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Crawford County has experienced 7 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 Cambridge Springs'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. | 16.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cambridge Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Cambridge Springs ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cambridge Springs's water comes from
Cambridge Springs'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 2,798 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Cambridge Springs
Cambridge Springs is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Cambridge Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAMBRIDGE SPRINGS BOROUGH | PA6200004 | 2,363 | SW |
| CAMBRIDGE AREA JOINT AUTH | PA6200003 | 225 | SWP |
| MAJESTIC HEIGHTS | PA6250020 | 110 | GW |
| MITCHELL LAKE MOBILE HOME PARK | PA6200002 | 100 | GW |
How Cambridge Springs compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Cambridge Springs's score of 43.3/100 is below the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Cambridge Springs, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cambridge Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Crawford
Frequently asked questions
Is Cambridge Springs, PA tap water safe to drink?
Cambridge Springs's water quality earned a grade of F (43.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #409 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Cambridge Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 16.0 ppb (90th percentile). 253 violations are on record.
How is Cambridge Springs'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 Cambridge Springs?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cambridge Springs's water come from?
Cambridge Springs's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,798 residents.
What health violations has Cambridge Springs's water system had?
Cambridge Springs has 21 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 19 violations remain unresolved.
How does Cambridge Springs's water compare to other cities?
Cambridge Springs ranks #409 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 27% of state cities) and #14591 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.