Is Intercourse, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
63/100
waterverge.com Intercourse, PA — Water Quality Report
Intercourse's drinking water received a grade of C (63 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,690 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 24.5 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 65 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Intercourse's water
Intercourse ranks #242 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Intercourse 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, Intercourse may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Intercourse, PA water safe to drink?
Intercourse's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,690 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Intercourse
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Intercourse's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4030). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Intercourse's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Intercourse's water system has 65 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lancaster County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Pequea Creek Near Ronks.
Where does Intercourse's water come from?
Intercourse's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,690 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Pequea Creek Near Ronks (river).
What Intercourse residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Intercourse'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.
Intercourse'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 Intercourse
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Intercourse, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 133,780 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
TYSON POULTRY INC-NEW HOLLAND COMPLEX NEW HOLLAND, PA17557 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 133,568 | 4.2 mi |
DUTCHLAND LLC CHRISTIANA, PA17527 | Manganese | 178 | 6.8 mi |
HIGH STEEL STRUCTURES - LANCASTER FACILITY LANCASTER, PA17601 | Manganese | 34 | 7.8 mi |
CONESTOGA WOOD SPECIALTIES CORP EAST EARL, PA17519 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
DARLING INGREDIENTS INC. - TERRE HILL FACILITY EAST EARL, PA17519 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLancaster 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
Lancaster County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Intercourse'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. | 24.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| 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. | 1.84 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Intercourse compares by contaminant
Explore where Intercourse ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Intercourse's water comes from
Intercourse'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,690 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Intercourse
Intercourse is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Intercourse
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEACOCK TWP MUN AUTH | PA7360084 | 1,640 | GW |
| ACORN ACRES | PA7360020 | 50 | GW |
How Intercourse compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Intercourse's score of 63/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Intercourse, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Intercourse's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lancaster
Frequently asked questions
Is Intercourse, PA tap water safe to drink?
Intercourse's water quality earned a grade of C (63/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #242 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Intercourse's water?
Lead was measured at 24.5 ppb (90th percentile). 65 violations are on record.
How is Intercourse'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 Intercourse?
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 Intercourse's water come from?
Intercourse's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,690 residents.
What health violations has Intercourse's water system had?
Intercourse 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. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Intercourse's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Intercourse 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 65 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 Intercourse's water compare to other cities?
Intercourse ranks #242 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 57% of state cities) and #11816 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.