Is Hidden Valley, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
78.6/100
Hidden Valley, PA — Water Quality Report
Hidden Valley's drinking water received a grade of B (78.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 110 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Hidden Valley's water
Hidden Valley ranks #104 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Hidden Valley 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, Hidden Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Hidden Valley, PA water safe to drink?
Hidden Valley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 750 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Hidden Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Hidden Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.6/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4099). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Hidden Valley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Hidden Valley's water system has 110 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Montgomery County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Perkiomen Creek At Graterford, Valley Creek At Pa Turnpike Br Near Valley Forge, Stony Creek At Sterigere Street At Norristown, Schuylkill River At Norristown, Schuylkill River At Conshohocken.
Where does Hidden Valley's water come from?
Hidden Valley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 750 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Perkiomen Creek At Graterford (river), Valley Creek At Pa Turnpike Br Near Valley Forge (river), Stony Creek At Sterigere Street At Norristown (river), Schuylkill River At Norristown (river), Schuylkill River At Conshohocken (river).
What Hidden Valley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Hidden Valley'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.
Hidden Valley'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSomerset 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
Montgomery County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Hidden Valley's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.900 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Hidden Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Hidden Valley ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Hidden Valley's water comes from
Hidden Valley'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 750 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Hidden Valley
Hidden Valley is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Hidden Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIDDEN VALLEY RESORT LP | PA4560049 | 750 | GW |
How Hidden Valley compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Hidden Valley's score of 78.6/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Hidden Valley, PA
Wikipedia →Hidden Valley is an unincorporated community that is located in Jefferson Township, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, United States.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Hidden Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Somerset
Frequently asked questions
Is Hidden Valley, PA tap water safe to drink?
Hidden Valley's water quality earned a grade of B (78.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #104 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Hidden Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 110 violations are on record.
How is Hidden Valley'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 Hidden Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Hidden Valley's water come from?
Hidden Valley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 750 residents.
What health violations has Hidden Valley's water system had?
Hidden Valley has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Hidden Valley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Hidden Valley 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 110 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 Hidden Valley's water compare to other cities?
Hidden Valley ranks #104 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 81% of state cities) and #8616 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Hidden Valley's small water system affect quality?
Hidden Valley's system serves approximately 750 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 110 violations on record.