WaterVerge

Is Dublin, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded F — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 3 water systems PWSID: PA1090107
Overall Score
35 / 100
Violations
57 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#491 of 560 in Pennsylvania Top 99% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
FGRADE
Water Quality Grade
35/100
waterverge.com
F 35/100

Dublin, PA — Water Quality Report

Dublin's drinking water received a grade of F (35 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,505 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 16.8 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 471 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Dublin's water

Dublin ranks #491 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

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

The system has seen 94 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
35 out of 100 Grade F
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
5/20
F
Lead at 16.8 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Dublin, PA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Dublin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (35/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 2,505 residents using groundwater (wells).

57
Active Violations
16.8 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Dublin

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Dublin's water quality assessment. Grade: F (35/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
31 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice, TTHM.

Violation
21 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Xylenes, Total.

Disaster
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4099). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

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

Lead Exceeds Limit
Detected: 16.8 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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

Violation history

Dublin's water system has 471 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 57 remain unresolved. 94 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMONRPTTT
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Jul 2025 Public Notice Open
Jul 2025 Public Notice Open
Jul 2025 Public Notice Open

Flood & environmental risk

Bucks County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Tohickon Creek Near Pipersville, Nb Neshaminy Cr Bl Lake Galena Nr New Britain, Nb Neshaminy Creek At Chalfont, Little Neshaminy C At Valley Road Nr Neshaminy, L Neshaminy Cr At Walton Road Nr Jacksonville.

REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4618
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-4099
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3356

Where does Dublin's water come from?

Dublin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 2,505 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tohickon Creek Near Pipersville (river), Nb Neshaminy Cr Bl Lake Galena Nr New Britain (river), Nb Neshaminy Creek At Chalfont (river), Little Neshaminy C At Valley Road Nr Neshaminy (river), L Neshaminy Cr At Walton Road Nr Jacksonville (river).

What Dublin residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Dublin'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
16.8 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · +12% over limit
Exceeds LimitFilter: NSF-53
Compliance Record

Violation summary

471
Total violations
2
Health-based
57
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

471 Total
57 Active
2 Health-based
414 Resolved
1 SNC
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
168
Volatile Organic Chemicals
146
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
33
Inorganic Chemicals
28
Ground Water Rule
27
Oct 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 471 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Dublin

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 337,906 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
JBS SOUDERTON INC - RENDERING DIV
Food · JBS USA FOOD CO
SOUDERTON, PA18964
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)337,9009.9 mi
OLDCASTLE INFRASTRUCTURE
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CRH AMERICAS INC
TELFORD, PA18969
Manganese compounds65.9 mi
PENNENGINEERING
Fabricated Metals · NA
DANBORO, PA18916
3.6 mi
MALMARK BELLS INC
Miscellaneous Manufacturing · NA
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA18949
3.2 mi
CLEVELAND STEEL CONTAINER CORP
Fabricated Metals · CLEVELAND STEEL CONTAINER CORP
QUAKERTOWN, PA18951
8.2 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Dublin

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.

+ 2 more sites

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Bucks 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.

10.7%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
6
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

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

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Sep 2021
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Bucks County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2021
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA #4618
Jan 2013
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #4099
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3356
Sep 2011
TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA #4030
Sep 2011
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA #3340
Sep 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #4025

Recommended water filters

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

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead level (16.8 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) 16.8 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 10.8 ppb from 1993 (6.0 ppb) to 2019 (16.8 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,505
Water Systems
3
Water Source

Where Dublin's water comes from

Groundwater

Dublin'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 2,505 people through 3 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Dublin

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

Tohickon Creek Near Pipersville
river
Nb Neshaminy Cr Bl Lake Galena Nr New Britain
river
Nb Neshaminy Creek At Chalfont
river
Little Neshaminy C At Valley Road Nr Neshaminy
river
L Neshaminy Cr At Walton Road Nr Jacksonville
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Dublin

System Name PWSID Population Source
BOROUGH OF DUBLIN PA1090107 2,200 GW
DUBLIN ACRES HOMEOWNERS ASSOC PA1090106 175 GW
BUCKS RUN APARTMENTS PA1090017 130 GW
Regional Comparison

How Dublin compares

Full Pennsylvania rankings →

Dublin's score of 35/100 is below the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 2 of 10 nearby cities. 8 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Dublin (this city)
35
Bryn Mawr
34.2
Mcmurray
86.8
Greensburg
46.7
Pennsylvania avg
49
City Profile

About Dublin, PA

Economic Profile
$48,477
Median Income
$151,347
Median Home Value
$676/mo
Median Rent
3%
Unemployment
Community
47.6
Median Age
12
People / sq mi
14.1%
College Educated
75.7%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Dublin, PA tap water safe to drink?

Dublin's water quality earned a grade of F (35/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #491 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.

What contaminants are in Dublin's water?

Lead was measured at 16.8 ppb (90th percentile). 471 violations are on record.

How is Dublin'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 Dublin?

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 Dublin's water come from?

Dublin's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 2,505 residents.

What health violations has Dublin's water system had?

Dublin has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 57 violations remain unresolved.

Is Dublin's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Dublin 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 471 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 Dublin's water compare to other cities?

Dublin ranks #491 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 12% of state cities) and #15538 out of 15744 cities nationally (1th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.