Is East Berlin, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
33/100
waterverge.com East Berlin, PA — Water Quality Report
East Berlin's drinking water received a grade of F (33 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,971 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 16.1 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 265 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about East Berlin's water
East Berlin ranks #502 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
East Berlin 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.
The system has seen 73 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is East Berlin, PA water safe to drink?
East Berlin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (33/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 4,971 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for East Berlin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into East Berlin's water quality assessment. Grade: F (33/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Nitrate, Nitrite.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4030). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for East Berlin's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
East Berlin's water system has 265 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 73 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Adams County has experienced 10 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 Swift Run At Brickcrafter Rd Nr New Oxford, West Conewago Creek At East Berlin, Codorus Creek At Spring Grove.
Where does East Berlin's water come from?
East Berlin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 4,971 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Swift Run At Brickcrafter Rd Nr New Oxford (river), West Conewago Creek At East Berlin (river), Codorus Creek At Spring Grove (river).
What East Berlin residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in East Berlin'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 Berlin'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 Berlin
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near East Berlin, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 9,295 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PIXELLE SPECIALTY SOLUTIONS LLC SPRING GROVE, PA17362 | Manganese compounds | 9,286 | 7.6 mi |
EAGLE CASTING LLC. HANOVER, PA17331 | Manganese | 4 | 9.1 mi |
ESAB GROUP INC. HANOVER, PA17331 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 3 | 8.5 mi |
R.H. SHEPPARD CO. INC. HANOVER, PA17331 | Nickel | 1 | 8.9 mi |
CROWN FOOD PACKAGING HANOVER, PA17331 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtAdams County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Adams County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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 Berlin'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. | 16.1 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| 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. | 1.48 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how East Berlin compares by contaminant
Explore where East Berlin ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where East Berlin's water comes from
East Berlin'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 4,971 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near East Berlin
East Berlin is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving East Berlin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LAKE MEADE MUNI AUTH | PA7010036 | 3,221 | GW |
| EAST BERLIN AREA JOINT AUTH | PA7010003 | 1,750 | GW |
How East Berlin compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →East Berlin's score of 33/100 is below the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About East Berlin, PA
Wikipedia →East Berlin is a borough in Adams County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,542 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to East Berlin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Adams
Frequently asked questions
Is East Berlin, PA tap water safe to drink?
East Berlin's water quality earned a grade of F (33/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #502 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in East Berlin's water?
Lead was measured at 16.1 ppb (90th percentile). 265 violations are on record.
How is East Berlin'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 Berlin?
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 East Berlin's water come from?
East Berlin's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 4,971 residents.
What health violations has East Berlin's water system had?
East Berlin has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is East Berlin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
East Berlin 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 265 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 Berlin's water compare to other cities?
East Berlin ranks #502 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 10% of state cities) and #15616 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.