Is Hawthorn, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 28 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
48/100
waterverge.com Hawthorn, PA — Water Quality Report
Hawthorn's drinking water received a grade of D (48 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.8 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 173 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hawthorn's water
Hawthorn ranks #350 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below 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, Hawthorn may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 64 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hawthorn, PA water safe to drink?
Hawthorn's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,500 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Hawthorn
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hawthorn's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48/100).
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Radium-226, Radium-228.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Hawthorn's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Hawthorn's water system has 173 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 64 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clarion County has experienced 8 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 Redbank Creek At St. Charles, Mahoning Creek Reservoir At Mahoning Creek Dam, Mahoning Creek At Mahoning Creek Dam.
Where does Hawthorn's water come from?
Hawthorn's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Redbank Creek At St. Charles (river), Mahoning Creek Reservoir At Mahoning Creek Dam (lake), Mahoning Creek At Mahoning Creek Dam (river).
What Hawthorn residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hawthorn'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.
Hawthorn'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 Hawthorn
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Hawthorn, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GLEN-GERY CORP SUMMERVILLE, PA15864 | — | — | 8.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Clarion County has experienced 8 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. | 1.8 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Hawthorn compares by contaminant
Explore where Hawthorn ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hawthorn's water comes from
Hawthorn'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 1,500 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hawthorn
Hawthorn is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Hawthorn
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAWTHORN REDBANK REDBANK MA | PA6160026 | 1,500 | SW |
How Hawthorn compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Hawthorn's score of 48/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Hawthorn, PA
Wikipedia →Hawthorn is a borough in Clarion County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 482 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hawthorn's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clarion
Frequently asked questions
Is Hawthorn, PA tap water safe to drink?
Hawthorn's water quality earned a grade of D (48/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #350 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Hawthorn's water?
Lead was measured at 1.8 ppb (90th percentile). 173 violations are on record.
How is Hawthorn'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 Hawthorn?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hawthorn's water come from?
Hawthorn's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,500 residents.
What health violations has Hawthorn's water system had?
Hawthorn has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in March 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 28 violations remain unresolved.
How does Hawthorn's water compare to other cities?
Hawthorn ranks #350 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 38% of state cities) and #13537 out of 15744 cities nationally (14th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hawthorn's small water system affect quality?
Hawthorn's system serves approximately 1,500 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 173 violations on record.