Is East Bangor, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Manganese was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
73.1/100
waterverge.com East Bangor, PA — Water Quality Report
East Bangor's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 77 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about East Bangor's water
East Bangor ranks #162 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
East Bangor 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, East Bangor may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 15 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Bangor, PA water safe to drink?
East Bangor's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,200 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for East Bangor
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Bangor's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.1/100).
Contaminants: Radium-228.
Contaminants: Nitrite, Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Barium, CYANIDE, Fluoride.
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 East Bangor's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
East Bangor's water system has 77 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 5 remain unresolved. 15 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Northampton County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 Delaware River Near Delaware Water Gap Pa, Pocono Creek Ab Wigwam Run Near Stroudsburg, Brodhead Creek At Minisink Hills, Yards Creek Near Blairstown, Beaver Brook Near Belvidere.
Where does East Bangor's water come from?
East Bangor's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Delaware River Near Delaware Water Gap Pa (river), Pocono Creek Ab Wigwam Run Near Stroudsburg (river), Brodhead Creek At Minisink Hills (river), Yards Creek Near Blairstown (river), Beaver Brook Near Belvidere (river).
What East Bangor residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in East Bangor'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.
East Bangor'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 East Bangor
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near East Bangor, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 31,872 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DSM NUTRITIONAL PRODUCTS LLC BELVIDERE, NJ07823 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 29,347 | 6.8 mi |
BUZZI UNICEM STOCKERTOWN PLANT STOCKERTOWN, PA18083 | Ammonia | 2,201 | 10.0 mi |
UFP STOCKERTOWN LLC STOCKERTOWN, PA18083 | Copper And Copper Compounds | 319 | 9.6 mi |
ALL WEATHER INSULATED PANELS EAST STROUDSBURG, PA18301 | Diisocyanates | 5 | 9.7 mi |
WESTROCK CONVERTING CO LLC STROUDSBURG MILL DELAWARE WATER GAP, PA18327 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 8.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtNorthampton 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Northampton County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in East Bangor'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. | 7.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how East Bangor compares by contaminant
Explore where East Bangor ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Bangor's water comes from
East Bangor'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 1,200 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near East Bangor
East Bangor is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving East Bangor
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| E BANGOR MUN AUTHORITY | PA3480049 | 1,200 | GW |
How East Bangor compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →East Bangor's score of 73.1/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About East Bangor, PA
Wikipedia →East Bangor is a borough in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, US, with a population of 1,124 at the 2020 census. It is in the Lehigh Valley metropolitan region, which had a population of 861,899 and was the 68th-most populous metropolitan area in the U.S. as of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Bangor's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Northampton
Frequently asked questions
Is East Bangor, PA tap water safe to drink?
East Bangor's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #162 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in East Bangor's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 77 violations are on record.
How is East Bangor'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 East Bangor?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does East Bangor's water come from?
East Bangor's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,200 residents.
What health violations has East Bangor's water system had?
East Bangor has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is East Bangor's groundwater at risk of contamination?
East Bangor 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 77 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 East Bangor's water compare to other cities?
East Bangor ranks #162 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 71% of state cities) and #10164 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does East Bangor's small water system affect quality?
East Bangor's system serves approximately 1,200 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 77 violations on record.