Is Etters, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
79.3/100
waterverge.com Etters, PA — Water Quality Report
Etters's drinking water received a grade of B (79.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 701 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 135 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Etters's water
Etters ranks #97 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Etters 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, Etters may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Etters, PA water safe to drink?
Etters's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 701 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Etters
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Etters's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.3/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Chlorine.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Etters'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
Etters's water system has 135 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Etters's water come from?
Etters's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 701 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Etters residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Etters'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtYork 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Etters'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. | 3.0 | 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. | 1.74 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.740 mg/L (1994)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Etters compares by contaminant
Explore where Etters ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Etters's water comes from
Etters'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 701 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Etters
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GOLDSBORO BORO WATER CO | PA7670131 | 475 | GW |
| JAMES DORWART APTS | PA7670138 | 226 | GW |
How Etters compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Etters's score of 79.3/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Etters, PA
Wikipedia →Goldsboro is a borough in York County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 930 at the 2020 census. It is part of the York–Hanover metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Etters's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across York
Frequently asked questions
Is Etters, PA tap water safe to drink?
Etters's water quality earned a grade of B (79.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #97 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Etters's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 135 violations are on record.
How is Etters'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 Etters?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Etters's water come from?
Etters's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 701 residents.
What health violations has Etters's water system had?
Etters has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Etters's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Etters 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 135 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 Etters's water compare to other cities?
Etters ranks #97 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 83% of state cities) and #8315 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.