Is Orefield, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.8/100
waterverge.com Orefield, PA — Water Quality Report
Orefield's drinking water received a grade of B (76.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 738 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 156 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Orefield's water
Orefield ranks #124 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Orefield 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, Orefield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 10 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Orefield, PA water safe to drink?
Orefield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 738 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Orefield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Orefield's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.8/100).
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Uranium.
Contaminants: Chlorine, 2,3,7,8-TCDD, Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3340). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Orefield's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Orefield's water system has 156 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 4 remain unresolved. 10 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lehigh County has experienced 8 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 Lehigh River At Walnutport, Little Lehigh Creek Near Trexlertown, Spring Creek At Trexlertown, Little Lehigh Creek Near Allentown, Cedar Creek At Mouth Near Allentown.
Where does Orefield's water come from?
Orefield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 738 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lehigh River At Walnutport (river), Little Lehigh Creek Near Trexlertown (river), Spring Creek At Trexlertown (river), Little Lehigh Creek Near Allentown (river), Cedar Creek At Mouth Near Allentown (river).
What Orefield residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Orefield'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.
Orefield'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 droughtBerks 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
Lehigh County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1972. 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Orefield compares by contaminant
Explore where Orefield ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Orefield's water comes from
Orefield'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 738 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Orefield
Orefield is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Orefield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIL WOLF MHP | PA3390089 | 600 | GW |
| COUNTRY VIEW MHP | PA3060048 | 98 | GW |
| OSSIES MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY | PA3390001 | 40 | GW |
How Orefield compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Orefield's score of 76.8/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Orefield, PA
Wikipedia →Orefield is a small unincorporated community in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania. The community is split between North Whitehall and South Whitehall townships. Orefield is part of the Lehigh Valley, which has a population of 861,899 and is the 68th-most populous metropolitan area in the U.S. as of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Orefield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lehigh
Frequently asked questions
Is Orefield, PA tap water safe to drink?
Orefield's water quality earned a grade of B (76.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #124 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Orefield's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 156 violations are on record.
How is Orefield'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 Orefield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Orefield's water come from?
Orefield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 738 residents.
What health violations has Orefield's water system had?
Orefield has 1 health-based violation 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. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Orefield's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Orefield 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 156 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 Orefield's water compare to other cities?
Orefield ranks #124 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 78% of state cities) and #9192 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.