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 ↓
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.
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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Linden, PA water safe to drink?
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).
Recent water quality updates for Linden
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Linden's water quality assessment. Grade: F (32/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice, TTHM, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4292). Flood 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 Linden's water supply.
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.
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.
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
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Linden'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.
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.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Flood & disaster history
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Linden'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. | 30.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Linden compares by contaminant
Explore where Linden ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Linden's water comes from
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.
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.
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 |
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.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →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.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Linden's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lycoming
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.