Is Leesport, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 45 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
53.4/100
waterverge.com Leesport, PA — Water Quality Report
Leesport's drinking water received a grade of D+ (53.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,818 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 12.0 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 131 violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 45 remain unresolved.
What to know about Leesport's water
Leesport ranks #300 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Leesport 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, Leesport may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 19 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Leesport, PA water safe to drink?
Leesport's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (53.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,818 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Leesport
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Leesport's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (53.4/100).
2 health-based. Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater 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 Leesport's water supply.
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
Leesport's water system has 131 total violations on record, including 15 health-based violations. 45 remain unresolved. 19 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Berks 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 Schuylkill River At Berne, Maiden Creek Near Virginville, Maiden Creek At Berkley, Blue Marsh Lake Near Bernville, Tulpehocken Cr At Blue Marsh Damsite Near Reading.
Where does Leesport's water come from?
Leesport's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,818 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Schuylkill River At Berne (river), Maiden Creek Near Virginville (river), Maiden Creek At Berkley (river), Blue Marsh Lake Near Bernville (lake), Tulpehocken Cr At Blue Marsh Damsite Near Reading (river).
What Leesport residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Leesport'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.
Leesport'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 Leesport
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Leesport, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,068,538 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY CORP READING, PA19601 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,068,218 | 5.9 mi |
CAMBRIDGE-LEE INDUSTRIES READING, PA19605 | Copper | 235 | 2.2 mi |
MATERION BRUSH INC SHOEMAKERSVILLE, PA19555 | Copper compounds | 43 | 3.3 mi |
YUASA BATTERY INC. LAURELDALE, PA19605 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 35 | 5.2 mi |
HOFMANN INDUSTRIES INC SINKING SPRING, PA19608 | Zinc compounds | 6 | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Leesport
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- FORMER EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES LAURELDALE5.3 mi
- BROWN S BATTERY BREAKING5.5 mi
- PRICE BATTERY LEAD SMELTER7.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBerks 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
Berks 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 Leesport'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. | 12.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Leesport compares by contaminant
Explore where Leesport ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Leesport's water comes from
Leesport'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 2,818 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Leesport
Leesport is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Leesport
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEESPORT BORO WATER AUTH | PA3060047 | 2,200 | GW |
| SHERWOOD FOREST/FOREST VIEW VILLAGE MHP | MD0070250 | 293 | GW |
| BAY COUNTRY ESTATES MOBILE HOME PARK | MD0070207 | 276 | GW |
| BERKS LEISURE LIVING | PA3060132 | 49 | GW |
How Leesport compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Leesport's score of 53.4/100 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 Leesport, PA
Wikipedia →Leesport is a borough in Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,954 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Leesport's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Berks
Frequently asked questions
Is Leesport, PA tap water safe to drink?
Leesport's water quality earned a grade of D+ (53.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #300 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Leesport's water?
Lead was measured at 12.0 ppb (90th percentile). 131 violations are on record.
How is Leesport'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 Leesport?
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 Leesport's water come from?
Leesport's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,818 residents.
What health violations has Leesport's water system had?
Leesport has 15 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 45 violations remain unresolved.
Is Leesport's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Leesport 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 131 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 Leesport's water compare to other cities?
Leesport ranks #300 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 46% of state cities) and #12682 out of 15744 cities nationally (19th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.