Is Lewis Run, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
77.1/100
waterverge.com Lewis Run, PA — Water Quality Report
Lewis Run's drinking water received a grade of B (77.1 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 892 residents using purchased surface water.
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 148 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lewis Run's water
Lewis Run ranks #120 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
As a small community water system, Lewis Run may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lewis Run, PA water safe to drink?
Lewis Run's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 892 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Lewis Run
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lewis Run's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.1/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Lewis Run's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lewis Run's water system has 148 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
McKean County has experienced 6 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 Tunungwant Creek Near South Bradford, Kinzua Creek Near Guffey.
Where does Lewis Run's water come from?
Lewis Run's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 892 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Tunungwant Creek Near South Bradford (river), Kinzua Creek Near Guffey (river).
What Lewis Run residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lewis Run'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.
Lewis Run'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 Lewis Run
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lewis Run, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 442 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
AMERICAN REFINING GROUP INC. BRADFORD, PA16701 | Hydrogen sulfide | 350 | 6.9 mi |
ZIPPO MANUFACTURING CO BRADFORD, PA16701 | Nickel | 73 | 5.2 mi |
DRESSER UTILITY SOLUTIONS BRADFORD, PA16701 | Manganese | 19 | 6.7 mi |
KEYSTONE POWDERED METAL CO LEWIS RUN, PA16738 | Copper | 0 | 0.5 mi |
WR CASE & SONS CUTLERY CO BRADFORD, PA16701 | — | — | 4.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
McKean County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lewis Run compares by contaminant
Explore where Lewis Run ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lewis Run's water comes from
Lewis Run's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 892 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lewis Run
Lewis Run is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Lewis Run
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEWIS RUN BOROUGH | PA6420020 | 892 | SWP |
How Lewis Run compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Lewis Run's score of 77.1/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Lewis Run, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lewis Run's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mckean
Frequently asked questions
Is Lewis Run, PA tap water safe to drink?
Lewis Run's water quality earned a grade of B (77.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #120 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Lewis Run's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 148 violations are on record.
How is Lewis Run'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 Lewis Run?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lewis Run's water come from?
Lewis Run's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 892 residents.
What health violations has Lewis Run's water system had?
Lewis Run 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
How does Lewis Run's water compare to other cities?
Lewis Run ranks #120 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 79% of state cities) and #9110 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lewis Run's small water system affect quality?
Lewis Run's system serves approximately 892 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 148 violations on record.