Is New Berlin, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
88.3/100
waterverge.com New Berlin, PA — Water Quality Report
New Berlin's drinking water received a grade of A- (88.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 990 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 57 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Berlin's water
New Berlin ranks #22 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
New Berlin 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.
As a small community water system, New Berlin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Berlin, PA water safe to drink?
New Berlin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (88.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 990 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Berlin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Berlin's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (88.3/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: ETHYLENE DIBROMIDE, 1,2-DIBROMO-3-CHLOROPROPANE.
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 New Berlin's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Berlin's water system has 57 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Union County has experienced 9 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 W Br Susquehanna River At West Milton, West Branch Susquehanna River At Lewisburg, Penns Creek At Penns Creek.
Where does New Berlin's water come from?
New Berlin's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 990 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include W Br Susquehanna River At West Milton (river), West Branch Susquehanna River At Lewisburg (river), Penns Creek At Penns Creek (river).
What New Berlin residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Berlin'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.
New Berlin'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 New Berlin
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Berlin, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WOOD-MODE LLC KREAMER, PA17833 | — | — | 5.4 mi |
US BUREAU OF PRISONS LEWISBURG PENITENTIARY LEWISBURG, PA17837 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
PLAYWORLD INC LEWISBURG, PA17837 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
TRUCK ACCESSORIES GROUP. LLC DBA TAG EAST MILTON, PA17847 | — | — | 9.9 mi |
KEYSTONE FORGING CO. NORTHUMBERLAND, PA17857 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Union County has experienced 9 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Berlin compares by contaminant
Explore where New Berlin ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Berlin's water comes from
New Berlin'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 990 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New Berlin
New Berlin is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Berlin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW BERLIN MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY | PA4600010 | 990 | GW |
How New Berlin compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →New Berlin's score of 88.3/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About New Berlin, PA
Wikipedia →New Berlin is a borough in Union County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 802 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Berlin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Union
Frequently asked questions
Is New Berlin, PA tap water safe to drink?
New Berlin's water quality earned a grade of A- (88.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #22 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in New Berlin's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 57 violations are on record.
How is New Berlin'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 New Berlin?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Berlin's water come from?
New Berlin's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 990 residents.
Is New Berlin's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Berlin 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 57 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 New Berlin's water compare to other cities?
New Berlin ranks #22 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 96% of state cities) and #3547 out of 15744 cities nationally (78th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New Berlin's small water system affect quality?
New Berlin's system serves approximately 990 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 57 violations on record.