WaterVerge

Is Conway, 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 ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: PA5040022
Overall Score
68.2 / 100
Violations
10 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#205 of 560 in Pennsylvania Top 71% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
C+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
68.2/100
waterverge.com
C+ 68.2/100

Conway, PA — Water Quality Report

Conway's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,176 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 17.3 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 52 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Conway's water

Conway ranks #205 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Conway may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
68.2 out of 100 Grade C+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
34.2/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
5/20
F
Lead at 17.3 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Conway, PA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Conway's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,176 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

10
Active Violations
17.3 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Conway

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Conway's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.2/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

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

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA

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 Conway's water supply.

Lead Exceeds Limit
Detected: 17.3 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.

Violation history

Conway's water system has 52 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMCL
Most recent violations:
Apr 2024 Public Notice Open
Apr 2024 Public Notice Open
Jan 2023 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jan 2023 TTHM Resolved
Jul 2022 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Beaver County has experienced 6 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 Ohio River At Sewickley, Ohio River (Lower Pool) At Sewickley, Beaver River At Beaver Falls, Raccoon Creek At Moffatts Mill, Ohio R Ab Montgomery Dam & Locks At Ohioview.

HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3356
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3235
TROPICAL DEPRESSION IVAN
Hurricane FEMA DR-1557

Where does Conway's water come from?

Conway's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,176 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Ohio River At Sewickley (river), Ohio River (Lower Pool) At Sewickley (river), Beaver River At Beaver Falls (river), Raccoon Creek At Moffatts Mill (river), Ohio R Ab Montgomery Dam & Locks At Ohioview (river).

What Conway residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Conway'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

Conway'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
Over Limit
17.3 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · +15% over limit
Exceeds LimitFilter: NSF-53
Compliance Record

Violation summary

52
Total violations
15
Health-based
10
Active / unresolved
Apr 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

52 Total
10 Active
15 Health-based
42 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
23
Surface Water Treatment Rule
11
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
6
Consumer Confidence Rule
5
Total Coliform Rule
4
Apr 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Apr 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Nov 2010 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Aug 2006 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
May 2006 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Nov 2005 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2003 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jan 2023 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2023
Jan 2023 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2023
Jan 2011 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Mar 2011
Oct 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2010
Oct 2010 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2010
Oct 2010 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2010
Oct 2010 Resolved
TTHM
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Dec 2010
Sep 2010 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2010
Sep 2010 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2010
Aug 2010 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2010
Showing 20 of 52 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Conway

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 2,028 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
LIBERTAS COPPER LLC
Primary Metals · LIBERTAS COPPER LLC
LEETSDALE, PA15056
Copper And Copper Compounds1,0226.4 mi
BASF CORP
Chemicals · BASF CORP
MONACA, PA15061
tert-Butyl alcohol8735.5 mi
BVPV STYRENICS LLC
Plastics and Rubber · STYROPEK USA INC
MONACA, PA15061
Zinc compounds665.8 mi
BEAVER FALLS TUBULAR PRODUCTS LLC
Primary Metals · PTC ALLIANCE LLC
BEAVER FALLS, PA15010
Zinc compounds499.2 mi
PRECISION KIDD STEEL CO
Primary Metals · NA
WEST ALIQUIPPA, PA15001
Zinc compounds174.9 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Oct 2012
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Beaver County has experienced 6 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 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3235
Sep 2004
TROPICAL DEPRESSION IVAN
Hurricane FEMA #1557
Jun 1996
FLOODING, SEVERE STORMS
Flood FEMA #1120
Jan 1996
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1093
Jun 1972
TROPICAL STORM AGNES
Flood FEMA #340

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Conway's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead level (17.3 ppb) exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 17.3 15 ppb Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 7.3 ppb from 1994 (10.0 ppb) to 2007 (17.3 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,176
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Conway's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Conway'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 2,176 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Conway

Conway is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Ohio River At Sewickley
river
Ohio River (Lower Pool) At Sewickley
river
Beaver River At Beaver Falls
river
Raccoon Creek At Moffatts Mill
river
Ohio R Ab Montgomery Dam & Locks At Ohioview
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Conway

System Name PWSID Population Source
BOROUGH OF CONWAY PA5040022 2,176 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Conway compares

Full Pennsylvania rankings →

Conway's score of 68.2/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Conway (this city)
68.2
Bryn Mawr
34.2
Mcmurray
86.8
Greensburg
46.7
Pennsylvania avg
49
City Profile

About Conway, PA

Economic Profile
$61,582
Median Income
$167,456
Median Home Value
$700/mo
Median Rent
6.2%
Unemployment
Community
46.5
Median Age
637
People / sq mi
23.7%
College Educated
66.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Conway, PA tap water safe to drink?

Conway's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #205 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.

What contaminants are in Conway's water?

Lead was measured at 17.3 ppb (90th percentile). 52 violations are on record.

How is Conway'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 Conway?

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 Conway's water come from?

Conway's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,176 residents.

What health violations has Conway's water system had?

Conway has 15 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. 10 violations remain unresolved.

How does Conway's water compare to other cities?

Conway ranks #205 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 63% of state cities) and #11116 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Conway's small water system affect quality?

Conway's system serves approximately 2,176 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 52 violations on record.