WaterVerge

Is Coopersburg, 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 ↓

3K residents served 1 water system PWSID: PA3390046
Overall Score
87.7 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#25 of 560 in Pennsylvania Top 25% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
A-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
87.7/100
waterverge.com
A- 87.7/100

Coopersburg, PA — Water Quality Report

Coopersburg's drinking water received a grade of A- (87.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,570 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 52 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Coopersburg's water

Coopersburg ranks #25 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
87.7 out of 100 Grade A-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
38.7/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
17/20
B
Lead at 5.0 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 Coopersburg, PA water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Coopersburg's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (87.7/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,570 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
5.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Coopersburg

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Coopersburg's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (87.7/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Radium-228.

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 Coopersburg's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 5.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Coopersburg's water system has 52 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRMONOther
Most recent violations:
Oct 2024 Radium-228 Resolved
Jul 2022 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jun 2021 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Nov 2019 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Aug 2019 Groundwater Rule Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Lehigh 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 Little Lehigh Creek Near Allentown, Cedar Creek At Mouth Near Allentown, Little Lehigh Creek At Tenth St. Br. At Allentown, Jordan Creek At Allentown, Monocacy Creek At Bethlehem.

HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3356
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA DR-3340
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4025

Where does Coopersburg's water come from?

Coopersburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,570 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Lehigh Creek Near Allentown (river), Cedar Creek At Mouth Near Allentown (river), Little Lehigh Creek At Tenth St. Br. At Allentown (river), Jordan Creek At Allentown (river), Monocacy Creek At Bethlehem (river).

What Coopersburg residents can do

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

Coopersburg'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
5.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 33% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

52
Total violations
0
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Oct 2024
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

52 Total
2 Active
0 Health-based
50 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
40
Ground Water Rule
4
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
2
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
2
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Jul 2008 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2024 Resolved
Radium-228
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2024
Jul 2022 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jul 2022
Jun 2021 Resolved
Groundwater Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2021
Nov 2019 Resolved
Groundwater Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2019
Aug 2019 Resolved
Groundwater Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2019
Jan 2019 Resolved
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2019 Resolved
o-Dichlorobenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2019 Resolved
1,1-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2019 Resolved
trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2019 Resolved
1,2-Dichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2019 Resolved
Carbon tetrachloride
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2019 Resolved
1,2-Dichloropropane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2019 Resolved
Ethylbenzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2019 Resolved
Styrene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2019 Resolved
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2019 Resolved
Toluene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2019 Resolved
Xylenes, Total
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Jan 2019 Resolved
Benzene
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2019
Showing 20 of 52 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Coopersburg

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 6 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
BRIDESBURG FOUNDRY CO
Primary Metals · NA
WHITEHALL, PA18052
Copper69.6 mi
LEHIGH HEAVY FORGE CORP
Fabricated Metals · WHEMCO INC
BETHLEHEM, PA18015
Lead And Lead Compounds17.5 mi
AERC RECYCLING SOLUTIONS
Hazardous Waste · ENVIRI CORP
ALLENTOWN, PA18103
Mercury06.0 mi
BETHLEHEM ENERGY CENTER
Electric Utilities · CALPINE CORP
BETHLEHEM, PA18015
8.5 mi
PRAXAIR DISTRIBUTION INC
Chemical Wholesalers · LINDE INC
BETHLEHEM, PA18015
8.0 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Coopersburg

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Lehigh County is currently in D1 (moderate 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.

5.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
7
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

8
Declared disasters
Oct 2012
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Lehigh 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.

Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3356
Sep 2011
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA #3340
Sep 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #4025
Aug 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #3339
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3235
Sep 2004
TROPICAL DEPRESSION IVAN
Hurricane FEMA #1557

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 5.0 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 0.0 ppb from 1993 (5.0 ppb) to 1996 (5.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,570
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Coopersburg's water comes from

Groundwater

Coopersburg'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 2,570 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Coopersburg

Coopersburg is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Little Lehigh Creek Near Allentown
river
Cedar Creek At Mouth Near Allentown
river
Little Lehigh Creek At Tenth St. Br. At Allentown
river
Jordan Creek At Allentown
river
Monocacy Creek At Bethlehem
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Coopersburg

System Name PWSID Population Source
COOPERSBURG MUN WATER AUTH PA3390046 2,570 GW
Regional Comparison

How Coopersburg compares

Full Pennsylvania rankings →

Coopersburg's score of 87.7/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.

Coopersburg (this city)
87.7
Bryn Mawr
34.2
Mcmurray
86.8
Greensburg
46.7
Pennsylvania avg
49
City Profile

About Coopersburg, PA

Wikipedia →

Coopersburg is a borough in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population of Coopersburg was 2,447 as of the 2020 census. It is a suburb of Allentown and is located 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Allentown, 40 miles (64 km) north of Philadelphia, and 76 miles (122 km) west of New York City.

Economic Profile
$70,465
Median Income
$279,623
Median Home Value
$893/mo
Median Rent
2.9%
Unemployment
Community
43.2
Median Age
965
People / sq mi
25.4%
College Educated
65%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Coopersburg, PA tap water safe to drink?

Coopersburg's water quality earned a grade of A- (87.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #25 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.

What contaminants are in Coopersburg's water?

Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 52 violations are on record.

How is Coopersburg'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 Coopersburg?

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

Where does Coopersburg's water come from?

Coopersburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,570 residents.

Is Coopersburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Coopersburg 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 52 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 Coopersburg's water compare to other cities?

Coopersburg ranks #25 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 96% of state cities) and #3881 out of 15744 cities nationally (75th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Coopersburg's small water system affect quality?

Coopersburg's system serves approximately 2,570 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.