Is Fombell, 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 ↓
66.2/100
waterverge.com Fombell, PA — Water Quality Report
Fombell's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 700 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 16.0 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 72 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Fombell's water
Fombell ranks #220 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
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, Fombell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Fombell, PA water safe to drink?
Fombell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 700 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Fombell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Fombell's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.2/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3235). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Fombell's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Fombell's water system has 72 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Beaver County has experienced 6 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 Beaver River At Wampum, Connoquenessing Creek Near Zelienople, Slippery Rock Creek At Wurtemburg, Beaver River At Beaver Falls.
Where does Fombell's water come from?
Fombell's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 700 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Beaver River At Wampum (river), Connoquenessing Creek Near Zelienople (river), Slippery Rock Creek At Wurtemburg (river), Beaver River At Beaver Falls (river).
What Fombell residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Fombell'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.
Fombell'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
Flood & disaster history
Beaver County has experienced 6 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 Fombell'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. | 16.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Fombell compares by contaminant
Explore where Fombell ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Fombell's water comes from
Fombell's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 700 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Fombell
Fombell is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Fombell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARION TWP WATER SYS | PA5040087 | 700 | SWP |
How Fombell compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Fombell's score of 66.2/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Fombell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Beaver
Frequently asked questions
Is Fombell, PA tap water safe to drink?
Fombell's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #220 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Fombell's water?
Lead was measured at 16.0 ppb (90th percentile). 72 violations are on record.
How is Fombell'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 Fombell?
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 Fombell's water come from?
Fombell's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 700 residents.
What health violations has Fombell's water system had?
Fombell has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Fombell's water compare to other cities?
Fombell ranks #220 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 61% of state cities) and #11413 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Fombell's small water system affect quality?
Fombell's system serves approximately 700 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 72 violations on record.