Is Jennerstown, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
65.7/100
waterverge.com Jennerstown, PA — Water Quality Report
Jennerstown's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,625 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 421 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Jennerstown's water
Jennerstown ranks #224 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Jennerstown 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, Jennerstown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Jennerstown, PA water safe to drink?
Jennerstown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,625 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Jennerstown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Jennerstown's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.7/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4099). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Jennerstown'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
Jennerstown's water system has 421 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Somerset County has experienced 10 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 Stonycreek River At Ferndale.
Where does Jennerstown's water come from?
Jennerstown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,625 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Stonycreek River At Ferndale (river).
What Jennerstown residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Jennerstown'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.
Jennerstown'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 Jennerstown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Jennerstown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 213 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NORTH AMERICAN HOGANAS HOLLSOPPLE, PA15935 | Manganese compounds | 213 | 6.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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
Somerset County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Jennerstown'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. | 5.0 | 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. | 1.98 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.980 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Jennerstown compares by contaminant
Explore where Jennerstown ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Jennerstown's water comes from
Jennerstown'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 1,625 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Jennerstown
Jennerstown is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Jennerstown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| JENNERSTOWN MUNI AUTH | PA4560038 | 1,625 | GW |
How Jennerstown compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Jennerstown's score of 65.7/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Jennerstown, PA
Wikipedia →Jennerstown is a borough in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of the Johnstown, Pennsylvania Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 679 at the 2020 census. The borough is the home of Jennerstown Speedway. The town was named for Edward Jenner.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Jennerstown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Somerset
Frequently asked questions
Is Jennerstown, PA tap water safe to drink?
Jennerstown's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #224 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Jennerstown's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 421 violations are on record.
How is Jennerstown'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 Jennerstown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Jennerstown's water come from?
Jennerstown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,625 residents.
What health violations has Jennerstown's water system had?
Jennerstown has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Jennerstown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Jennerstown 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 421 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 Jennerstown's water compare to other cities?
Jennerstown ranks #224 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 60% of state cities) and #11474 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Jennerstown's small water system affect quality?
Jennerstown's system serves approximately 1,625 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 421 violations on record.