WaterVerge

Is Grampian, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

1K residents served 1 water system PWSID: PA6170021
Overall Score
79.1 / 100
Violations
3 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Purchased surface water
#100 of 560 in Pennsylvania Top 53% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
BGRADE
Water Quality Grade
79.1/100
waterverge.com
B 79.1/100

Grampian, PA — Water Quality Report

Grampian'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 1,400 residents using purchased surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 5.4 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 12 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Grampian's water

Grampian ranks #100 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.

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, Grampian 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.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
79.1 out of 100 Grade B
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
36.1/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
17/20
B
Lead at 5.4 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Purchased surface water.
Water Safety

Is Grampian, PA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Grampian'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 1,400 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

3
Active Violations
5.4 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
7 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Grampian

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Grampian's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.1/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA

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 Grampian's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 5.4 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

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

Grampian's water system has 12 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MRMONOtherMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 2024 TTHM Resolved
Jul 2024 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 2023 Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Resolved
Jul 2023 TTHM Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Clearfield County has experienced 7 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 West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower, Curwensville Lake Near Curwensville, Wb Susquehanna River Near Curwensville, Anderson Creek At Curwensville.

HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3356
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3235
TROPICAL DEPRESSION IVAN
Hurricane FEMA DR-1557

Where does Grampian's water come from?

Grampian's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower (river), Curwensville Lake Near Curwensville (lake), Wb Susquehanna River Near Curwensville (river), Anderson Creek At Curwensville (river).

What Grampian residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Grampian's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Grampian'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
5.4 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 36% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

12
Total violations
1
Health-based
3
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

12 Total
3 Active
1 Health-based
9 Resolved
5 SNC
Violations by category
Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
5
Consumer Confidence Rule
2
Revised Total Coliform Rule
1
Surface Water Treatment Rule
1
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
1
Jul 2016 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2005 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Jul 2025 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2025
Jul 2024 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2024
Jul 2024 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2024
Jul 2023 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2023
Jul 2023 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2023
Feb 2021 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Feb 2021
Nov 2011 Resolved
Surface Water Treatment Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2011
Oct 2011 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2011
Aug 1994 Resolved
Coliform (TCR)
Max Contaminant Level
Health-Based Health Resolved Aug 1994
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Grampian

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Grampian, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 157 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
WICKETT & CRAIG OF AMERICA
Leather · CLEARFIELD LEATHER INC
CURWENSVILLE, PA16833
Ammonia1575.2 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

7
Declared disasters
Oct 2012
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Clearfield County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3356
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3235
Sep 2004
TROPICAL DEPRESSION IVAN
Hurricane FEMA #1557
Jul 1996
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA #1130
Jan 1996
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1093
Jul 1977
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #537

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Grampian's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 5.4 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 5.4 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 5.5 ppb from 1993 (10.9 ppb) to 1996 (5.4 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Purchased Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
1,400
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Grampian's water comes from

Purchased Surface Water

Grampian'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 1,400 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Grampian

Grampian is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

West Branch Susquehanna River At Bower
river
Curwensville Lake Near Curwensville
lake
Wb Susquehanna River Near Curwensville
river
Anderson Creek At Curwensville
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Grampian

System Name PWSID Population Source
GRAMPIAN BORO PENN TWP MA PA6170021 1,400 SWP
Regional Comparison

How Grampian compares

Full Pennsylvania rankings →

Grampian's score of 79.1/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Grampian (this city)
79.1
Bryn Mawr
34.2
Mcmurray
86.8
Greensburg
46.7
Pennsylvania avg
49
City Profile

About Grampian, PA

Economic Profile
$50,625
Median Income
$69,920
Median Home Value
$833/mo
Median Rent
16.7%
Unemployment
Community
40
Median Age
454
People / sq mi
18.1%
College Educated
67.6%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Grampian, PA tap water safe to drink?

Grampian'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 #100 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.

What contaminants are in Grampian's water?

Lead was measured at 5.4 ppb (90th percentile). 12 violations are on record.

How is Grampian'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 Grampian?

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 Grampian's water come from?

Grampian's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 residents.

What health violations has Grampian's water system had?

Grampian has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.

How does Grampian's water compare to other cities?

Grampian ranks #100 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 82% of state cities) and #8390 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 Grampian's small water system affect quality?

Grampian's system serves approximately 1,400 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 12 violations on record.