WaterVerge

Is Everett, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded C+ — 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 2 water systems PWSID: PA4050012
Overall Score
67.6 / 100
Violations
6 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#210 of 560 in Pennsylvania Top 71% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
C+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
67.6/100
waterverge.com
C+ 67.6/100

Everett, PA — Water Quality Report

Everett's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,798 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 42.9 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 57 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Everett's water

Everett ranks #210 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

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

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
67.6 out of 100 Grade C+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
36.6/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
1/20
F
Lead at 42.9 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 Everett, PA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Everett's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,798 residents using groundwater (wells).

6
Active Violations
42.9 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Everett

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Everett's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.6/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.

Disaster
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA

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

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

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 Everett's water supply.

Lead Exceeds Limit
Detected: 42.9 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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

Violation history

Everett's water system has 57 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherMON
Most recent violations:
Mar 2025 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Jul 2022 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 2022 TTHM Resolved
Aug 2021 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Jan 2021 Arsenic Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Bedford County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 Dunning Creek At Belden.

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

Where does Everett's water come from?

Everett's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,798 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Dunning Creek At Belden (river).

What Everett residents can do

Install a water filter

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

Everett'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
42.9 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · +20% over limit
Exceeds LimitFilter: NSF-53
Compliance Record

Violation summary

57
Total violations
0
Health-based
6
Active / unresolved
Mar 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

57 Total
6 Active
0 Health-based
51 Resolved
4 SNC
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
14
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
13
Volatile Organic Chemicals
8
Ground Water Rule
7
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
4
Oct 2020 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2018 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2010 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2008 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Mar 2025 Resolved
Groundwater Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2025
Jul 2022 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2022
Jul 2022 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2022
Aug 2021 Resolved
Groundwater Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Aug 2021
Jan 2021 Resolved
Arsenic
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2021
Jan 2020 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jan 2020
Apr 2018 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2018
Jul 2017 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2017
Jul 2017 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2017
Feb 2017 Resolved
Groundwater Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Feb 2017
Jan 2017 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2017
Jan 2017 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2017
Jan 2017 Resolved
Nitrite
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2017
Oct 2016 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2016
Showing 20 of 57 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Everett

Industrial polluters nearby

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

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
KENNAMETAL BEDFORD CASTING PLANT
Machinery · KENNAMETAL INC
BEDFORD, PA15522
7.1 mi
REX HEAT TREAT-BEDFORD INC
Fabricated Metals · REXMET CORP
BEDFORD, PA15522
9.8 mi
CAPTIVEAIRE SYSTEMS INC
Fabricated Metals · CAPTIVEAIRE SYSTEMS INC
BEDFORD, PA15522
9.9 mi
CRONIMET SPECIALTY METALS USA INC
Other · CRONIMET CORP
BEDFORD, PA15522
9.2 mi
JLG INDUSTRIES INC. - SUNNYSIDE FACILITY
Machinery · OSHKOSH CORP
BEDFORD, PA15522
7.0 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Bedford 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.

14
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
10.7%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
14
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

Bedford County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3235

Recommended water filters

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

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead level (42.9 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) 42.9 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 38.9 ppb from 1993 (4.0 ppb) to 2012 (42.9 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,798
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Everett's water comes from

Groundwater

Everett'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 2,798 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Everett

Everett is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Dunning Creek At Belden
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Everett

System Name PWSID Population Source
EVERETT BORO MUNI AUTH PA4050012 2,048 GW
SNAKE SPRING TOWNSHIP MA PA4050038 750 GW
Regional Comparison

How Everett compares

Full Pennsylvania rankings →

Everett's score of 67.6/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Everett (this city)
67.6
Bryn Mawr
34.2
Mcmurray
86.8
Greensburg
46.7
Pennsylvania avg
49
City Profile

About Everett, PA

Wikipedia →

Everett is a borough in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,765 at the 2020 census.

Economic Profile
$37,708
Median Income
$121,947
Median Home Value
$741/mo
Median Rent
6.6%
Unemployment
Community
37.2
Median Age
849
People / sq mi
11%
College Educated
46.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Everett, PA tap water safe to drink?

Everett's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #210 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.

What contaminants are in Everett's water?

Lead was measured at 42.9 ppb (90th percentile). 57 violations are on record.

How is Everett'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 Everett?

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 Everett's water come from?

Everett's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,798 residents.

Is Everett's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Everett 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 57 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 Everett's water compare to other cities?

Everett ranks #210 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 63% of state cities) and #11211 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.