WaterVerge

Is Greentown, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded F — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 5 water systems PWSID: PA2520036
Overall Score
37 / 100
Violations
55 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#477 of 560 in Pennsylvania Top 98% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
FGRADE
Water Quality Grade
37/100
waterverge.com
F 37/100

Greentown, PA — Water Quality Report

Greentown's drinking water received a grade of F (37 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,773 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 23.0 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 1293 violations on record, including 35 health-based violations. 55 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Greentown's water

Greentown ranks #477 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Greentown 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.

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, Greentown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 191 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
37 out of 100 Grade F
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
5/20
F
Lead at 23.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Greentown, PA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Greentown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (37/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 1,773 residents using groundwater (wells).

55
Active Violations
23.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
9 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Greentown

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Greentown's water quality assessment. Grade: F (37/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4099). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

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 Greentown's water supply.

Lead Exceeds Limit
Detected: 23.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.

Violation history

Greentown's water system has 1,293 total violations on record, including 35 health-based violations. 55 remain unresolved. 191 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRTTMONRPTMCL
Most recent violations:
Nov 2025 Public Notice Open
Oct 2025 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Open
Sep 2025 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Jul 2025 Radium-228 Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Pike County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies.

HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-4099
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3356
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA DR-4025

Where does Greentown's water come from?

Greentown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 1,773 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.

What Greentown residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Greentown'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

Greentown'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
Over Limit
23.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · +20% over limit
Exceeds LimitFilter: NSF-53
Compliance Record

Violation summary

1293
Total violations
35
Health-based
55
Active / unresolved
Nov 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

1293 Total
55 Active
35 Health-based
1238 Resolved
3 SNC
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
583
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
455
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
50
Ground Water Rule
37
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
31
Nov 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
May 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2024 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jan 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 1293 violations
Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Pike County is currently in D1 (moderate 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.

8.9%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
7
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

9
Declared disasters
Jan 2013
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Pike County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1969. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Jan 2013
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #4099
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3356
Sep 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #4025
Aug 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #3339
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3235
Sep 2004
TROPICAL DEPRESSION IVAN
Hurricane FEMA #1557

Recommended water filters

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

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead level (23.0 ppb) exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 23.0 15 ppb Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 22.0 ppb from 1994 (1.0 ppb) to 2017 (23.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
1,773
Water Systems
5
Water Source

Where Greentown's water comes from

Groundwater

Greentown'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,773 people through 5 water systems.

Infrastructure

Water systems serving Greentown

System Name PWSID Population Source
THE ESCAPE PA2520036 1,100 GW
LAKE WALLENPAUPACK ESTATES POA PA2520075 204 GW
LAUREL LANE DEVELOPMENT ASSOC PA2520201 179 GW
MILLBROOK 5R 7 8 PA2520981 169 GW
TRANQUILITY FALLS PA2520040 121 GW
Regional Comparison

How Greentown compares

Full Pennsylvania rankings →

Greentown's score of 37/100 is below the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Greentown (this city)
37
Bryn Mawr
34.2
Mcmurray
86.8
Greensburg
46.7
Pennsylvania avg
49
City Profile

About Greentown, PA

Wikipedia →

Greentown is a village in Greene Township, Pike County, Pennsylvania, United States. It had a population of 4,526 in the 2000 US Census.

Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Greentown, PA tap water safe to drink?

Greentown's water quality earned a grade of F (37/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #477 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.

What contaminants are in Greentown's water?

Lead was measured at 23.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1293 violations are on record.

How is Greentown'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 Greentown?

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 Greentown's water come from?

Greentown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 1,773 residents.

What health violations has Greentown's water system had?

Greentown has 35 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 55 violations remain unresolved.

Is Greentown's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Greentown 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 1293 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 Greentown's water compare to other cities?

Greentown ranks #477 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 15% of state cities) and #15435 out of 15744 cities nationally (2th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.