Is Freeburg, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
57/100
waterverge.com Freeburg, PA — Water Quality Report
Freeburg's drinking water received a grade of C- (57 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 685 residents using ground water under influence.
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 114 violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Freeburg's water
Freeburg ranks #281 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Freeburg 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, Freeburg may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Freeburg, PA water safe to drink?
Freeburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (57/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 685 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Freeburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Freeburg's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (57/100).
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Revised Total Coliform Rule, TTHM.
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 Freeburg's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Freeburg's water system has 114 total violations on record, including 18 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Snyder 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 Susquehanna River Above Dam At Sunbury, Susquehanna River At Sunbury, Penns Creek At Penns Creek.
Where does Freeburg's water come from?
Freeburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 685 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Susquehanna River Above Dam At Sunbury (river), Susquehanna River At Sunbury (river), Penns Creek At Penns Creek (river).
What Freeburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Freeburg'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.
Freeburg'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 Freeburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Freeburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WOOD-MODE LLC KREAMER, PA17833 | — | — | 3.1 mi |
KERRICO CORP SELINSGROVE, PA17870 | — | — | 3.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Snyder 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.
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 Freeburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Freeburg ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Freeburg's water comes from
Freeburg'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 685 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Freeburg
Freeburg is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Freeburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| FREEBURG MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY | PA4550013 | 685 | GU |
How Freeburg compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Freeburg's score of 57/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Freeburg, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Freeburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Snyder
Frequently asked questions
Is Freeburg, PA tap water safe to drink?
Freeburg's water quality earned a grade of C- (57/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #281 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Freeburg's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 114 violations are on record.
How is Freeburg'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 Freeburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Freeburg's water come from?
Freeburg's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 685 residents.
What health violations has Freeburg's water system had?
Freeburg has 18 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Freeburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Freeburg 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 114 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 Freeburg's water compare to other cities?
Freeburg ranks #281 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 50% of state cities) and #12407 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Freeburg's small water system affect quality?
Freeburg's system serves approximately 685 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 114 violations on record.