Is New Hope, 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 ↓
31/100
waterverge.com New Hope, PA — Water Quality Report
New Hope's drinking water received a grade of F (31 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,342 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 253.5 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 451 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 64 remain unresolved.
What to know about New Hope's water
New Hope ranks #522 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
New Hope 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 Hope may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is New Hope, PA water safe to drink?
New Hope's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (31/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 2,342 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for New Hope
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into New Hope's water quality assessment. Grade: F (31/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Hope's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
New Hope's water system has 451 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 64 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bucks County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Neshanic River At Reaville, Del And Rar Ca Feeder At Washington Crossing, Delaware River At Stockton, Delaware River At Lambertville, Delaware River At Washington Crossing.
Where does New Hope's water come from?
New Hope's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 2,342 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Neshanic River At Reaville (river), Del And Rar Ca Feeder At Washington Crossing (stream), Delaware River At Stockton (river), Delaware River At Lambertville (river), Delaware River At Washington Crossing (river).
What New Hope residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in New Hope'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 Hope'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 Hope
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near New Hope, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PENNENGINEERING DANBORO, PA18916 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
CHROMA COLOR CORP LAMBERTVILLE, NJ08530 | — | — | 2.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of New Hope
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- CHEM FAB9.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtBucks 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
Bucks County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Hope'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. | 253.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how New Hope compares by contaminant
Explore where New Hope ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where New Hope's water comes from
New Hope'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 2,342 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near New Hope
New Hope is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving New Hope
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| VILLAGE OF BUCKINGHAM SPRINGS | PA1090133 | 1,295 | GW |
| VILLAGE 2 COMMUNITY ASSOC | PA1090040 | 650 | GW |
| SOLEBURY SCHOOL | PA1090030 | 300 | GW |
| NWWA INGHAM MEWS | PA1090103 | 97 | GW |
How New Hope compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →New Hope's score of 31/100 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 New Hope, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to New Hope's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bucks
Frequently asked questions
Is New Hope, PA tap water safe to drink?
New Hope's water quality earned a grade of F (31/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #522 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in New Hope's water?
Lead was measured at 253.5 ppb (90th percentile). 451 violations are on record.
How is New Hope'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 Hope?
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 Hope's water come from?
New Hope's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 2,342 residents.
What health violations has New Hope's water system had?
New Hope has 6 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. 64 violations remain unresolved.
Is New Hope's groundwater at risk of contamination?
New Hope 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 451 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 Hope's water compare to other cities?
New Hope ranks #522 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 7% of state cities) and #15665 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.