Is Drums, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
47/100
waterverge.com Drums, PA — Water Quality Report
Drums's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 924 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 545 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Drums's water
Drums ranks #364 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Drums 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, Drums may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 83 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Drums, PA water safe to drink?
Drums's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 924 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Drums
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Drums's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule, Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Drums's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Drums's water system has 545 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 83 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Luzerne County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1985. 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 Hazleton Pond Gage No. 1 Near Beaver Meadows, Wapwallopen Creek Near Wapwallopen, L Nescopeck Creek Tributary Near Freeland.
Where does Drums's water come from?
Drums's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 924 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Hazleton Pond Gage No. 1 Near Beaver Meadows (lake), Wapwallopen Creek Near Wapwallopen (river), L Nescopeck Creek Tributary Near Freeland (river).
What Drums residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Drums'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.
Drums'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
Flood & disaster history
Luzerne County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1985. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Drums'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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.33 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Drums compares by contaminant
Explore where Drums ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Drums's water comes from
Drums'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 federal ownership and serves approximately 924 people through 5 water systems.
Water bodies near Drums
Drums is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Drums
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| KEYSTONE JOB CORPS CENTER | PA2400023 | 500 | GW |
| PROVIDENCE PLACE OF HAZLETON | PA2400146 | 140 | GW |
| FRITZINGERTOWN SR LIV COMM #2 | PA2400139 | 118 | GW |
| KADIMA REHAB NURSING AT LUZERN | PA2400117 | 100 | GW |
| FRITZINGERTOWN SR LIV COMM #1 | PA2400116 | 66 | GW |
How Drums compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Drums's score of 47/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Drums's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Luzerne
Frequently asked questions
Is Drums, PA tap water safe to drink?
Drums's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #364 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Drums's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 545 violations are on record.
How is Drums'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 Drums?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Drums's water come from?
Drums's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 924 residents.
What health violations has Drums's water system had?
Drums has 11 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.
Is Drums's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Drums 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 545 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 Drums's water compare to other cities?
Drums ranks #364 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 35% of state cities) and #13782 out of 15744 cities nationally (13th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.