WaterVerge

Is Lawrenceville, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded D, with 68 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

691 residents served 1 water system PWSID: PA2590050
Overall Score
47 / 100
Violations
68 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#365 of 560 in Pennsylvania Top 88% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
DGRADE
Water Quality Grade
47/100
waterverge.com
D 47/100

Lawrenceville, PA — Water Quality Report

Lawrenceville's drinking water received a grade of D (47 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 691 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 548 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 68 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Lawrenceville's water

Lawrenceville ranks #365 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

Lawrenceville 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.

While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.

As a small community water system, Lawrenceville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 82 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
47 out of 100 Grade D
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
17/20
B
Lead at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Lawrenceville, PA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Lawrenceville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (47/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 691 residents using groundwater (wells).

68
Active Violations
6.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
8 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Lawrenceville

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lawrenceville's water quality assessment. Grade: D (47/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA

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 Lawrenceville's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 6.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.

Violation history

Lawrenceville's water system has 548 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 68 remain unresolved. 82 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMONTT
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 Public Notice Open
Oct 2025 Public Notice Open
Sep 2025 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Aug 2025 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Jul 2025 TTHM Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Allegheny 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 Allegheny R At Cw Bill Young L&D At Acmetonia, Allegheny R At Cw Bill Young (Lower) Acmetonia, Allegheny R At Lock & Dam 2 At Aspinwall, Allegheny R At L&D 2 (Lower Pool) At Aspinwall, Little Pine Creek Near Etna.

HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3356
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3235
TROPICAL DEPRESSION IVAN
Hurricane FEMA DR-1557

Where does Lawrenceville's water come from?

Lawrenceville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 691 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Allegheny R At Cw Bill Young L&D At Acmetonia (river), Allegheny R At Cw Bill Young (Lower) Acmetonia (river), Allegheny R At Lock & Dam 2 At Aspinwall (river), Allegheny R At L&D 2 (Lower Pool) At Aspinwall (river), Little Pine Creek Near Etna (river).

What Lawrenceville residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lawrenceville'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

Lawrenceville'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
Safe
6.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 40% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

548
Total violations
2
Health-based
68
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

548 Total
68 Active
2 Health-based
480 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
310
Volatile Organic Chemicals
60
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
50
Ground Water Rule
33
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
24
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
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
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Aug 2024 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2024 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 548 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Lawrenceville

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lawrenceville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 1 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
VICTAULIC CO - LAWRENCEVILLE FACILITY
Primary Metals · VICTAULIC CO
TIOGA, PA16946
Lead And Lead Compounds12.4 mi
WARD MANUFACTURING LLC WAR DFLEX DIV
Primary Metals · ASC ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS
LAWRENCEVILLE, PA16929
2.2 mi
CORNING INC - INTEGRATED DIE MANUFACTURING
Machinery · CORNING INC
PAINTED POST, NY14870
8.1 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

8
Declared disasters
Oct 2012
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Allegheny 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.

Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3356
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3235
Sep 2004
TROPICAL DEPRESSION IVAN
Hurricane FEMA #1557
Jan 1996
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1093
Jun 1986
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #766
Nov 1985
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #754

Recommended water filters

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

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 6.0 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 6.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 1.0 ppb from 1993 (5.0 ppb) to 1996 (6.0 ppb).
Contaminant Rankings

See how Lawrenceville compares by contaminant

Explore where Lawrenceville ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
691
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Lawrenceville's water comes from

Groundwater

Lawrenceville'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 691 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Lawrenceville

Lawrenceville is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Allegheny R At Cw Bill Young L&D At Acmetonia
river
Allegheny R At Cw Bill Young (Lower) Acmetonia
river
Allegheny R At Lock & Dam 2 At Aspinwall
river
Allegheny R At L&D 2 (Lower Pool) At Aspinwall
river
Little Pine Creek Near Etna
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Lawrenceville

System Name PWSID Population Source
LAWRENCEVILLE BORO WATER DEPT PA2590050 691 GW
Regional Comparison

How Lawrenceville compares

Full Pennsylvania rankings →

Lawrenceville's score of 47/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Lawrenceville (this city)
47
Bryn Mawr
34.2
Mcmurray
86.8
Greensburg
46.7
Pennsylvania avg
49
City Profile

About Lawrenceville, PA

Economic Profile
$57,917
Median Income
$135,206
Median Home Value
$835/mo
Median Rent
0.7%
Unemployment
Community
36.9
Median Age
366
People / sq mi
19.7%
College Educated
55.2%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Lawrenceville, PA tap water safe to drink?

Lawrenceville's water quality earned a grade of D (47/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #365 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.

What contaminants are in Lawrenceville's water?

Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 548 violations are on record.

How is Lawrenceville'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 Lawrenceville?

While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Lawrenceville's water come from?

Lawrenceville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 691 residents.

What health violations has Lawrenceville's water system had?

Lawrenceville has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 68 violations remain unresolved.

Is Lawrenceville's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Lawrenceville 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 548 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 Lawrenceville's water compare to other cities?

Lawrenceville ranks #365 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 35% of state cities) and #13791 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Lawrenceville's small water system affect quality?

Lawrenceville's system serves approximately 691 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 548 violations on record.