Is New Bloomfield, 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 ↓
44.2/100
waterverge.com New Bloomfield, PA — Water Quality Report
New Bloomfield's drinking water received a grade of F (44.2 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,170 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 17.0 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 132 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Bloomfield's water
New Bloomfield ranks #393 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
New Bloomfield 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, New Bloomfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 72 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Bloomfield, PA water safe to drink?
New Bloomfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,170 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Bloomfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Bloomfield's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44.2/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: 2,4,5-TP.
Contaminants: Combined Uranium, Radium-226, Endothall.
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 Bloomfield's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
New Bloomfield's water system has 132 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 72 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Perry 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 Juniata River At Newport, Sherman Creek At Shermans Dale.
Where does New Bloomfield's water come from?
New Bloomfield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,170 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Juniata River At Newport (river), Sherman Creek At Shermans Dale (river).
What New Bloomfield residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Bloomfield'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.
New Bloomfield'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
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtPerry County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Perry 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 New Bloomfield'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. | 17.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Bloomfield compares by contaminant
Explore where New Bloomfield ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Bloomfield's water comes from
New Bloomfield'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 1,170 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near New Bloomfield
New Bloomfield is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Bloomfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLOOMFIELD BORO WATER AUTH | PA7500012 | 1,170 | GU |
How New Bloomfield compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →New Bloomfield's score of 44.2/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 6 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Bloomfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Perry
Frequently asked questions
Is New Bloomfield, PA tap water safe to drink?
New Bloomfield's water quality earned a grade of F (44.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #393 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in New Bloomfield's water?
Lead was measured at 17.0 ppb (90th percentile). 132 violations are on record.
How is New Bloomfield'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 Bloomfield?
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 New Bloomfield's water come from?
New Bloomfield's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,170 residents.
What health violations has New Bloomfield's water system had?
New Bloomfield has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Bloomfield's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Bloomfield 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 132 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 Bloomfield's water compare to other cities?
New Bloomfield ranks #393 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 30% of state cities) and #14418 out of 15744 cities nationally (8th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does New Bloomfield's small water system affect quality?
New Bloomfield's system serves approximately 1,170 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.