WaterVerge

Is Linden, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded F — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

540 residents served 3 water systems PWSID: PA4410030
Overall Score
32 / 100
Violations
119 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#516 of 560 in Pennsylvania Top 100% nationally
Private
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
FGRADE
Water Quality Grade
32/100
waterverge.com
F 32/100

Linden, PA — Water Quality Report

Linden's drinking water received a grade of F (32 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 540 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 30.0 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 497 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 119 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Linden's water

Linden ranks #516 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.

Linden 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, Linden may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 176 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
32 out of 100 Grade F
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
5/20
F
Lead at 30.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
5/10
D
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Linden, PA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Linden's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (32/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 540 residents using groundwater (wells).

119
Active Violations
30.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Linden

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Linden's water quality assessment. Grade: F (32/100).

Violation
30 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
31 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice, TTHM, Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Disaster
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4292). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

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 Linden's water supply.

Lead Exceeds Limit
Detected: 30.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.

Violation history

Linden's water system has 497 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 119 remain unresolved. 176 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMONRPTTT
Most recent violations:
Oct 2025 Public Notice Open
Oct 2025 Public Notice Open
Oct 2025 Public Notice Open
Oct 2025 Public Notice Open
Oct 2025 Public Notice Open

Flood & environmental risk

Lycoming 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 Wb Susquehanna River At Jersey Shore, Lycoming Creek Near Williamsport, Wb Susquehanna River At Williamsport.

SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA DR-4292
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3356
TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA DR-4030

Where does Linden's water come from?

Linden's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 540 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wb Susquehanna River At Jersey Shore (river), Lycoming Creek Near Williamsport (river), Wb Susquehanna River At Williamsport (river).

What Linden residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Linden'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

Linden'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
Over Limit
30.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · +20% over limit
Exceeds LimitFilter: NSF-53
Compliance Record

Violation summary

497
Total violations
1
Health-based
119
Active / unresolved
Oct 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

497 Total
119 Active
1 Health-based
378 Resolved
9 SNC
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
179
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
73
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
72
Consumer Confidence Rule
41
Volatile Organic Chemicals
40
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Showing 20 of 497 violations
Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Dec 2016
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Lycoming 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.

Dec 2016
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #4292
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3356
Sep 2011
TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA #4030
Sep 2011
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA #3340
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3235
Sep 2004
TROPICAL DEPRESSION IVAN
Hurricane FEMA #1557

Recommended water filters

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

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead level (30.0 ppb) exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 30.0 15 ppb Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has increased by 28.0 ppb from 1993 (2.0 ppb) to 2001 (30.0 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Private
Population Served
540
Water Systems
3
Water Source

Where Linden's water comes from

Groundwater

Linden'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 private ownership and serves approximately 540 people through 3 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Linden

Linden is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Wb Susquehanna River At Jersey Shore
river
Lycoming Creek Near Williamsport
river
Wb Susquehanna River At Williamsport
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Linden

System Name PWSID Population Source
HARVEST MOON TRAILER COURT PA4410030 360 GW
CARPENTERS PARK INC PA4410031 120 GW
HIDDEN VALLEY MOBILE HOME CT PA4410160 60 GW
Regional Comparison

How Linden compares

Full Pennsylvania rankings →

Linden's score of 32/100 is below the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.

Linden (this city)
32
Bryn Mawr
34.2
Mcmurray
86.8
Greensburg
46.7
Pennsylvania avg
49
City Profile

About Linden, PA

Wikipedia →

Linden is an unincorporated community in Woodward Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, United States. The community is located along U.S. Route 220, 7.2 miles (11.6 km) west of downtown Williamsport. Linden has a post office with ZIP code 17744, which opened on April 18, 1832.

Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Linden, PA tap water safe to drink?

Linden's water quality earned a grade of F (32/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #516 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.

What contaminants are in Linden's water?

Lead was measured at 30.0 ppb (90th percentile). 497 violations are on record.

How is Linden'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 Linden?

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 Linden's water come from?

Linden's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 540 residents.

What health violations has Linden's water system had?

Linden has 1 health-based violation 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. 119 violations remain unresolved.

Is Linden's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Linden 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 497 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 Linden's water compare to other cities?

Linden ranks #516 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 8% of state cities) and #15647 out of 15744 cities nationally (1th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.