Is Nicholson, 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 ↓
37/100
waterverge.com Nicholson, PA — Water Quality Report
Nicholson's drinking water received a grade of F (37 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 4,059 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 16.0 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 514 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved.
What to know about Nicholson's water
Nicholson ranks #476 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Nicholson 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.
The system has seen 49 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Nicholson, PA water safe to drink?
Nicholson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (37/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 6 water systems serve approximately 4,059 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Nicholson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Nicholson's water quality assessment. Grade: F (37/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Radium-226, Radium-228.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Benzo(a)pyrene, Chlordane.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4099). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Nicholson's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Nicholson's water system has 514 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 23 remain unresolved. 49 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wyoming County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1985. 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 Tunkhannock Creek Near Tunkhannock.
Where does Nicholson's water come from?
Nicholson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 6 water systems serving approximately 4,059 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tunkhannock Creek Near Tunkhannock (river).
What Nicholson residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Nicholson'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.
Nicholson'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 Nicholson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Nicholson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ALLEIMA USA LLC CLARKS SUMMIT, PA18411 | — | — | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Wyoming County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1985. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Nicholson'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. | 16.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Nicholson compares by contaminant
Explore where Nicholson ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Nicholson's water comes from
Nicholson'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 4,059 people through 6 water systems.
Water bodies near Nicholson
Nicholson is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Nicholson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EATON SEWER & WATER CO | PA2660039 | 3,100 | GW |
| NICHOLSON BORO AUTH | PA2660011 | 789 | GW |
| MESHOPPEN TOWNHOUSE APTS | PA2660044 | 65 | GW |
| WHITES FERRY ROAD APTS | PA2660042 | 39 | GW |
| OLD ORCHARD APTS | PA2660043 | 38 | GW |
| WINOLA VIEW APTS | PA2660047 | 28 | GW |
How Nicholson compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Nicholson's score of 37/100 is below the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Nicholson, PA
Wikipedia →Nicholson is a borough in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania. The population was 698 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Nicholson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Wyoming
Frequently asked questions
Is Nicholson, PA tap water safe to drink?
Nicholson's water quality earned a grade of F (37/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #476 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Nicholson's water?
Lead was measured at 16.0 ppb (90th percentile). 514 violations are on record.
How is Nicholson'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 Nicholson?
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 Nicholson's water come from?
Nicholson's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 6 water systems serving approximately 4,059 residents.
What health violations has Nicholson's water system had?
Nicholson has 3 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. 23 violations remain unresolved.
Is Nicholson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Nicholson 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 514 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 Nicholson's water compare to other cities?
Nicholson ranks #476 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 15% of state cities) and #15432 out of 15744 cities nationally (2th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.