Is Glen Rock, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
81.4/100
waterverge.com Glen Rock, PA — Water Quality Report
Glen Rock's drinking water received a grade of B+ (81.4 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using purchased surface water.
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 156 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Glen Rock's water
Glen Rock ranks #73 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average 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.
As a small community water system, Glen Rock may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Glen Rock, PA water safe to drink?
Glen Rock's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (81.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,000 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Glen Rock
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Glen Rock's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (81.4/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Glen Rock's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Glen Rock's water system has 156 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Codorus Creek At Spring Grove, Indian Rock Dam Near York, Gunpowder Falls, Grave Run, Beetree Run.
Where does Glen Rock's water come from?
Glen Rock's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Codorus Creek At Spring Grove (river), Indian Rock Dam Near York (lake), Gunpowder Falls (river), Grave Run (river), Beetree Run (river).
What Glen Rock residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Glen Rock'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.
Glen Rock'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 Glen Rock
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Glen Rock, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 9,295 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PIXELLE SPECIALTY SOLUTIONS LLC SPRING GROVE, PA17362 | Manganese compounds | 9,286 | 8.9 mi |
TATE ACCESS FLOORS INC. RED LION, PA17356 | Manganese | 9 | 9.9 mi |
GICHNER SYSTEMS GROUP INC DALLASTOWN, PA17313 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
ADHESIVES RESEARCH INC GLEN ROCK, PA17327 | — | — | 2.9 mi |
GELEST INC GLEN ROCK, PA17327 | — | — | 2.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Glen Rock
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.
- OLD CITY OF YORK LANDFILL3.6 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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 (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 5.0 ppb (1993)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Glen Rock compares by contaminant
Explore where Glen Rock ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Glen Rock's water comes from
Glen Rock'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 2,000 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Glen Rock
Glen Rock is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Glen Rock
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLEN ROCK WATER AUTH | PA7670050 | 2,000 | SWP |
How Glen Rock compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Glen Rock's score of 81.4/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Glen Rock, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Glen Rock's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across York
Frequently asked questions
Is Glen Rock, PA tap water safe to drink?
Glen Rock's water quality earned a grade of B+ (81.4/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #73 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Glen Rock's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 156 violations are on record.
How is Glen Rock'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 Glen Rock?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Glen Rock's water come from?
Glen Rock's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,000 residents.
What health violations has Glen Rock's water system had?
Glen Rock has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
How does Glen Rock's water compare to other cities?
Glen Rock ranks #73 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 87% of state cities) and #7476 out of 15744 cities nationally (53th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Glen Rock's small water system affect quality?
Glen Rock's system serves approximately 2,000 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 156 violations on record.