Is Newell, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 9 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.3/100
waterverge.com Newell, PA — Water Quality Report
Newell's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 520 residents using surface water.
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 205 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Newell's water
Newell ranks #158 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Newell may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Newell, PA water safe to drink?
Newell's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 520 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Newell
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Newell's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.3/100).
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Contaminants: Arsenic, Selenium, Antimony, Total.
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 Newell's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Newell's water system has 205 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fayette County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 Monongahela R At Maxwell L&D Upper Pool @ Maxwell, Monongahela R @ Maxwell L&D (Lower Pool) @ Maxwell, Redstone Creek At Waltersburg, Pike Run At Granville, Monongahela R At L&D4 Upper Pool At Charleroi.
Where does Newell's water come from?
Newell's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 520 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Monongahela R At Maxwell L&D Upper Pool @ Maxwell (river), Monongahela R @ Maxwell L&D (Lower Pool) @ Maxwell (river), Redstone Creek At Waltersburg (river), Pike Run At Granville (river), Monongahela R At L&D4 Upper Pool At Charleroi (river).
What Newell residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Newell'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.
Newell'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 Newell
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Newell, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 2,104 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CLEVELAND-CLIFFS MONESSEN COKE LLC MONESSEN, PA15062 | Cyanide compounds | 2,103 | 6.0 mi |
FLEXSYS AMERICA LP MONONGAHELA, PA15063 | Carbon disulfide | 0 | 8.5 mi |
NATIONAL POLYMERS INC. CHARLEROI, PA15022 | — | — | 3.3 mi |
TECH MET INC DONORA, PA15033 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
AIRGAS SPECIALTY PRODUCTS - DONORA PA DONORA, PA15033 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Fayette County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 Newell compares by contaminant
Explore where Newell ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Newell's water comes from
Newell'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 520 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Newell
Newell 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 Newell
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEWELL MUNI AUTH | PA5260014 | 520 | SW |
How Newell compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Newell's score of 73.3/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Newell, PA
Wikipedia →Newell is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 512 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Newell's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fayette
Frequently asked questions
Is Newell, PA tap water safe to drink?
Newell's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #158 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Newell's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 205 violations are on record.
How is Newell'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 Newell?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Newell's water come from?
Newell's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 520 residents.
What health violations has Newell's water system had?
Newell has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
How does Newell's water compare to other cities?
Newell ranks #158 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 72% of state cities) and #10120 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Newell's small water system affect quality?
Newell's system serves approximately 520 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 205 violations on record.