Is New Bethlehem, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.7/100
waterverge.com New Bethlehem, PA — Water Quality Report
New Bethlehem's drinking water received a grade of B (76.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,150 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.6 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 132 violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Bethlehem's water
New Bethlehem ranks #127 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, New Bethlehem may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Bethlehem, PA water safe to drink?
New Bethlehem's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,150 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for New Bethlehem
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Bethlehem's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.7/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: 2,3,7,8-TCDD.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 New Bethlehem's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Bethlehem's water system has 132 total violations on record, including 11 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clarion County has experienced 8 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 Redbank Creek At St. Charles, Mahoning Creek Reservoir At Mahoning Creek Dam, Mahoning Creek At Mahoning Creek Dam, Allegheny River At Lock & Dam 8 Nr Templeton, Allegheny R At L&D 8 (Lower Pool) Nr Templeton.
Where does New Bethlehem's water come from?
New Bethlehem's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,150 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Redbank Creek At St. Charles (river), Mahoning Creek Reservoir At Mahoning Creek Dam (lake), Mahoning Creek At Mahoning Creek Dam (river), Allegheny River At Lock & Dam 8 Nr Templeton (river), Allegheny R At L&D 8 (Lower Pool) Nr Templeton (river).
What New Bethlehem residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Bethlehem'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 Bethlehem'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
Clarion County has experienced 8 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. | 2.6 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Bethlehem compares by contaminant
Explore where New Bethlehem ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Bethlehem's water comes from
New Bethlehem'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 3,150 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New Bethlehem
New Bethlehem is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving New Bethlehem
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| REDBANK VALLEY MUN AUTH | PA6160010 | 3,150 | SW |
How New Bethlehem compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →New Bethlehem's score of 76.7/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About New Bethlehem, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Bethlehem's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clarion
Frequently asked questions
Is New Bethlehem, PA tap water safe to drink?
New Bethlehem's water quality earned a grade of B (76.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #127 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in New Bethlehem's water?
Lead was measured at 2.6 ppb (90th percentile). 132 violations are on record.
How is New Bethlehem'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 Bethlehem?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Bethlehem's water come from?
New Bethlehem's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,150 residents.
What health violations has New Bethlehem's water system had?
New Bethlehem has 11 health-based violations 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. 15 violations remain unresolved.
How does New Bethlehem's water compare to other cities?
New Bethlehem ranks #127 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 77% of state cities) and #9217 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 New Bethlehem's small water system affect quality?
New Bethlehem's system serves approximately 3,150 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 132 violations on record.