Is Franklintown, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.7/100
waterverge.com Franklintown, PA — Water Quality Report
Franklintown's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 705 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 88 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Franklintown's water
Franklintown ranks #41 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Franklintown 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, Franklintown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Franklintown, PA water safe to drink?
Franklintown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 705 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Franklintown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Franklintown's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.7/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Franklintown's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Franklintown's water system has 88 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
York County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Yellow Breeches Creek Near Camp Hill, West Conewago Creek At East Berlin, Bermudian Creek At Oxford Road Nr Heidlersburg.
Where does Franklintown's water come from?
Franklintown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 705 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Yellow Breeches Creek Near Camp Hill (river), West Conewago Creek At East Berlin (river), Bermudian Creek At Oxford Road Nr Heidlersburg (river).
What Franklintown residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Franklintown'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.
Franklintown'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 Franklintown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Franklintown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 39,436 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LAND O'LAKES - CARLISLE CARLISLE, PA17015 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 39,436 | 8.4 mi |
VITRO FLAT GLASS LLC CARLISLE PLANT CARLISLE, PA17015 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
DAIRY FARMERS OF AMER/MECHANICSBURG MECHANICSBURG, PA17055 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
PENNEX ALUMINUM CO WELLSVILLE, PA17365 | — | — | 5.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
Flood & disaster history
York County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Franklintown compares by contaminant
Explore where Franklintown ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Franklintown's water comes from
Franklintown'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 705 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Franklintown
Franklintown is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Franklintown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRANKLINTOWN BORO MUNI AUTH | PA7670113 | 705 | GW |
How Franklintown compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Franklintown's score of 85.7/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Franklintown, PA
Wikipedia →Franklintown is a borough in York County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 508 at the 2020 census. It is part of the York–Hanover metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Franklintown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across York
Frequently asked questions
Is Franklintown, PA tap water safe to drink?
Franklintown's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.7/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #41 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Franklintown's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 88 violations are on record.
How is Franklintown'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 Franklintown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Franklintown's water come from?
Franklintown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 705 residents.
Is Franklintown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Franklintown 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 88 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 Franklintown's water compare to other cities?
Franklintown ranks #41 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 93% of state cities) and #5196 out of 15744 cities nationally (67th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Franklintown's small water system affect quality?
Franklintown's system serves approximately 705 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 88 violations on record.