Is New Enterprise, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
62.8/100
waterverge.com New Enterprise, PA — Water Quality Report
New Enterprise's drinking water received a grade of C (62.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 558 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 281 violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Enterprise's water
New Enterprise ranks #245 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
New Enterprise 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 Enterprise may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 6 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Enterprise, PA water safe to drink?
New Enterprise's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 558 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Enterprise
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Enterprise's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62.8/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Nitrate.
Contaminants: Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4099). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for New Enterprise's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
New Enterprise's water system has 281 total violations on record, including 17 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 6 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bedford County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 Raystown Branch Juniata River At Wolfsburg, Dunning Creek At Belden, Raystown Branch Juniata River At Saxton.
Where does New Enterprise's water come from?
New Enterprise's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 558 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Raystown Branch Juniata River At Wolfsburg (river), Dunning Creek At Belden (river), Raystown Branch Juniata River At Saxton (river).
What New Enterprise residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Enterprise'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 Enterprise'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
D2 — severe droughtBedford County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Bedford County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Enterprise compares by contaminant
Explore where New Enterprise ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Enterprise's water comes from
New Enterprise'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 558 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near New Enterprise
New Enterprise 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 Enterprise
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW ENTERPRISE WATER ASSN | PA4050033 | 443 | GW |
| SALEMVILLE WATER ASSN | PA4050034 | 115 | GWP |
How New Enterprise compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →New Enterprise's score of 62.8/100 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 Enterprise, PA
Wikipedia →New Enterprise is an unincorporated community in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, United States. The community is located along Pennsylvania Route 869, 11.6 miles (18.7 km) north-northeast of Bedford. New Enterprise has a post office, with ZIP code 16664.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Enterprise's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bedford
Frequently asked questions
Is New Enterprise, PA tap water safe to drink?
New Enterprise's water quality earned a grade of C (62.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #245 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in New Enterprise's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 281 violations are on record.
How is New Enterprise'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 Enterprise?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does New Enterprise's water come from?
New Enterprise's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 558 residents.
What health violations has New Enterprise's water system had?
New Enterprise has 17 health-based violations 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. 13 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Enterprise's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Enterprise 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 281 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 Enterprise's water compare to other cities?
New Enterprise ranks #245 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 56% of state cities) and #11845 out of 15744 cities nationally (25th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.