Is Fairfield, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
79.1/100
waterverge.com Fairfield, PA — Water Quality Report
Fairfield's drinking water received a grade of B (79.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,150 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 8.0 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 64 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fairfield's water
Fairfield ranks #99 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Fairfield 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, Fairfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fairfield, PA water safe to drink?
Fairfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,150 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Fairfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fairfield's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.1/100).
Contaminants: Radium-226, Radium-228, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Contaminants: 2,3,7,8-TCDD.
Contaminants: Barium, Cadmium, CYANIDE.
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 Fairfield'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
Fairfield's water system has 64 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 16 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 Monocacy River.
Where does Fairfield's water come from?
Fairfield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,150 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Monocacy River (river).
What Fairfield residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fairfield'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.
Fairfield'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 Fairfield
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Fairfield, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SPECIALTY GRANULES LLC BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA17214 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
KNOUSE FOODS COOP INC ORRTANNA PLANT ORRTANNA, PA17353 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Fairfield
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.
- WESTINGHOUSE ELEVATOR CO PLANT8.3 mi
- HUNTERSTOWN ROAD9.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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 Fairfield'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. | 8.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 8.0 ppb (1994)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Fairfield compares by contaminant
Explore where Fairfield ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fairfield's water comes from
Fairfield'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 2,150 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Fairfield
Fairfield is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Fairfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAIRFIELD MUNI AUTH | PA7010005 | 2,150 | GW |
How Fairfield compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Fairfield's score of 79.1/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Fairfield, PA
Wikipedia →Fairfield is a borough in Adams County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 526 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fairfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Adams
Frequently asked questions
Is Fairfield, PA tap water safe to drink?
Fairfield's water quality earned a grade of B (79.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #99 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Fairfield's water?
Lead was measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile). 64 violations are on record.
How is Fairfield'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 Fairfield?
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 Fairfield's water come from?
Fairfield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,150 residents.
Is Fairfield's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Fairfield 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 64 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 Fairfield's water compare to other cities?
Fairfield ranks #99 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 82% of state cities) and #8380 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.
Does Fairfield's small water system affect quality?
Fairfield's system serves approximately 2,150 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 64 violations on record.