Is Clymer, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
66.8/100
waterverge.com Clymer, PA — Water Quality Report
Clymer's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,700 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 509.0 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 74 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Clymer's water
Clymer ranks #217 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Clymer 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.
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, Clymer may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Clymer, PA water safe to drink?
Clymer's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,700 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Clymer
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Clymer's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.8/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Clymer's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Clymer's water system has 74 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 9 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Indiana County has experienced 8 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 Yellow Creek Near Homer City.
Where does Clymer's water come from?
Clymer's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,700 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Yellow Creek Near Homer City (river).
What Clymer residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Clymer'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.
Clymer'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 Clymer
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Clymer, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SPECIALTY TIRES OF AMERICA INC INDIANA, PA15701 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Indiana County has experienced 8 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 Clymer'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. | 509.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Clymer compares by contaminant
Explore where Clymer ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Clymer's water comes from
Clymer'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 1,700 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Clymer
Clymer is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Clymer
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CLYMER BORO MUNI AUTH | PA5320009 | 1,700 | GW |
How Clymer compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Clymer's score of 66.8/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Clymer, PA
Wikipedia →Clymer is a borough in Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,336 at the 2020 census. The community was named after William Bingham Clymer, grandson of George Clymer, one of the signers of the United States Declaration of Independence. William Clymer sold the land the borough is situated on to Thomas White in the 1830s. Most of Clymer's family died in a tragic sea accident in 1878, which made national news and inspired the name. It is surrounded by but separate from Cherryhill Township.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Clymer's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Indiana
Frequently asked questions
Is Clymer, PA tap water safe to drink?
Clymer's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #217 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Clymer's water?
Lead was measured at 509.0 ppb (90th percentile). 74 violations are on record.
How is Clymer'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 Clymer?
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 Clymer's water come from?
Clymer's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,700 residents.
What health violations has Clymer's water system had?
Clymer has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Clymer's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Clymer 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 74 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 Clymer's water compare to other cities?
Clymer ranks #217 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 61% of state cities) and #11332 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Clymer's small water system affect quality?
Clymer's system serves approximately 1,700 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 74 violations on record.