WaterVerge

Is Claysburg, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded D+, with 3 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: PA4070058
Overall Score
53.1 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#303 of 560 in Pennsylvania Top 81% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
D+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
53.1/100
waterverge.com
D+ 53.1/100

Claysburg, PA — Water Quality Report

Claysburg's drinking water received a grade of D+ (53.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,800 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 3.4 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 117 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Claysburg's water

Claysburg ranks #303 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

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

The system has seen 52 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
53.1 out of 100 Grade D+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
4.1/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
17/20
B
Lead at 3.4 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 Claysburg, PA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Claysburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,800 residents using groundwater (wells).

3
Active Violations
3.4 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
9 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Claysburg

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Claysburg's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.1/100).

Violation
50 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Endrin, BHC-GAMMA, Methoxychlor.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

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

Disaster
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3340). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Claysburg's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 3.4 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Claysburg's water system has 117 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 52 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRMONOtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Apr 2024 Endrin Resolved
Apr 2024 BHC-GAMMA Resolved
Apr 2024 Methoxychlor Resolved
Apr 2024 Dalapon Resolved
Apr 2024 Diquat Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Blair County has experienced 9 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.

HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3356
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA DR-3340
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3235

Where does Claysburg's water come from?

Claysburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Claysburg residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Claysburg's water.

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Claysburg'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
3.4 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 23% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

117
Total violations
2
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Apr 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

117 Total
3 Active
2 Health-based
114 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
40
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
31
Ground Water Rule
8
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
8
Total Coliform Rule
8
Jul 2017 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2011 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2005 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Apr 2024 Resolved
Endrin
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
BHC-GAMMA
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Methoxychlor
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Dalapon
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Diquat
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Endothall
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
OXAMYL
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
LASSO
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Heptachlor
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
2,4-D
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
2,4,5-TP
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
HEXACHLOROBENZENE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Benzo(a)pyrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
Pentachlorophenol
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Apr 2024 Resolved
1,2-DIBROMO-3-CHLOROPROPANE
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2024
Showing 20 of 117 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Claysburg

Industrial polluters nearby

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
CHAMPION HOMES BUILDERS INC. ALTANTIC HOMES DIV
Wood Products · CHAMPION HOME BUILDERS INC
CLAYSBURG, PA16625
0.6 mi
CARGILL FEED & NUTRITION MARTINSBURG
Food · CARGILL INC
MARTINSBURG, PA16662
5.8 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Bedford 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)
10.7%
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

9
Declared disasters
Oct 2012
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Blair County has experienced 9 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
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA #3340
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3235
Sep 2004
TROPICAL DEPRESSION IVAN
Hurricane FEMA #1557
Jul 1996
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA #1130
Jan 1996
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1093

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 3.4 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 decreased by 1.0 ppb from 1993 (5.0 ppb) to 1996 (4.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,800
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Claysburg's water comes from

Groundwater

Claysburg'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 2,800 people through 2 water systems.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Claysburg

System Name PWSID Population Source
GREENFIELD TWP MUNI AUTH PA4070058 2,500 GW
BLUE KNOB WATER CO PA4050001 300 GW
Regional Comparison

How Claysburg compares

Full Pennsylvania rankings →

Claysburg's score of 53.1/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Claysburg (this city)
53.1
Bryn Mawr
34.2
Mcmurray
86.8
Greensburg
46.7
Pennsylvania avg
49
City Profile

About Claysburg, PA

Wikipedia →

Claysburg is a census-designated place (CDP) along Interstate 99 and the Allegheny Front in Blair County, Pennsylvania, United States, situated near the base of Blue Knob. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 1,291.

Economic Profile
$65,417
Median Income
$146,034
Median Home Value
$875/mo
Median Rent
1.3%
Unemployment
Community
44.9
Median Age
340
People / sq mi
25.8%
College Educated
72.4%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Claysburg, PA tap water safe to drink?

Claysburg's water quality earned a grade of D+ (53.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #303 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.

What contaminants are in Claysburg's water?

Lead was measured at 3.4 ppb (90th percentile). 117 violations are on record.

How is Claysburg'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 Claysburg?

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

Where does Claysburg's water come from?

Claysburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,800 residents.

What health violations has Claysburg's water system had?

Claysburg has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.

Is Claysburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Claysburg 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 117 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 Claysburg's water compare to other cities?

Claysburg ranks #303 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 46% of state cities) and #12712 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.