Is Catawissa, 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 ↓
87.4/100
waterverge.com Catawissa, PA — Water Quality Report
Catawissa's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,644 residents using groundwater.
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 55 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Catawissa's water
Catawissa ranks #27 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Catawissa 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, Catawissa may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Catawissa, PA water safe to drink?
Catawissa's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.4/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,644 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Catawissa
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Catawissa's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.4/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Radium-226, Combined Uranium, Radium-228.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Radium-226, Combined Uranium.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Catawissa's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Catawissa's water system has 55 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Columbia 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 Susquehanna River At Bloomsburg, Fishing Creek Near Bloomsburg, Susquehanna River At Catawissa.
Where does Catawissa's water come from?
Catawissa's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,644 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Susquehanna River At Bloomsburg (river), Fishing Creek Near Bloomsburg (river), Susquehanna River At Catawissa (river).
What Catawissa 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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Catawissa'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 Catawissa
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Catawissa, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,599 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CHEROKEE PHARMACEUTICALS LLC. RIVERSIDE, PA17868 | Methanol | 1,599 | 9.2 mi |
SEKISUI KYDEX LLC BLOOMSBURG, PA17815 | — | — | 7.8 mi |
KAWNEER CO INC BLOOMSBURG, PA17815 | — | — | 3.3 mi |
AUTONEUM N.A. INC. BLOOMSBURG, PA17815 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
MIDLAND ASPHALT MATERIALS INC. BLOOMSBURG, PA17815 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Catawissa
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.
- SAFETY LIGHT CORPORATION6.1 mi
- MW MANUFACTURING9.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Columbia 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 Catawissa compares by contaminant
Explore where Catawissa ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Catawissa's water comes from
Catawissa'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 1,644 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Catawissa
Catawissa is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Catawissa
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CATAWISSA MUNICIPAL WATER AUTH | PA4190011 | 1,644 | GW |
How Catawissa compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Catawissa's score of 87.4/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Catawissa, PA
Wikipedia →Catawissa is a borough in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of the Susquehanna Valley in Pennsylvania. The population was 1,539 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Bloomsburg-Berwick micropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Catawissa's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Columbia
Frequently asked questions
Is Catawissa, PA tap water safe to drink?
Catawissa's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #27 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Catawissa's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 55 violations are on record.
How is Catawissa'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 Catawissa?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Catawissa's water come from?
Catawissa's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,644 residents.
Is Catawissa's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Catawissa 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 55 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 Catawissa's water compare to other cities?
Catawissa ranks #27 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 95% of state cities) and #4080 out of 15744 cities nationally (74th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Catawissa's small water system affect quality?
Catawissa's system serves approximately 1,644 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 55 violations on record.