Is Orwigsburg, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
38.3/100
waterverge.com Orwigsburg, PA — Water Quality Report
Orwigsburg's drinking water received a grade of F (38.3 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,380 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 55.2 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 58 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Orwigsburg's water
Orwigsburg ranks #469 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Orwigsburg 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 23 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Orwigsburg, PA water safe to drink?
Orwigsburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (38.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,380 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Orwigsburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Orwigsburg's water quality assessment. Grade: F (38.3/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Chlorine, Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). 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 Orwigsburg's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Orwigsburg's water system has 58 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 23 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Schuylkill County has experienced 10 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 Schuylkill River At Landingville, Schuylkill River At Berne.
Where does Orwigsburg's water come from?
Orwigsburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,380 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Schuylkill River At Landingville (river), Schuylkill River At Berne (river).
What Orwigsburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Orwigsburg'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.
Orwigsburg'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 Orwigsburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Orwigsburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 29 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
NORTHEAST PRESTRESSED PRODUCTS LLC POTTSVILLE, PA17901 | Manganese | 13 | 4.9 mi |
SHALMET CORP ORWIGSBURG, PA17961 | Nickel | 9 | 2.6 mi |
HYDRO EXTRUSION USA LLC CRESSONA, PA17929 | Manganese | 7 | 4.8 mi |
WORLD RESOURCES CO POTTSVILLE, PA17901 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
DFA DAIRY BRANDS FLUID LLC DBA LEHIGH VALLEY DAIRY FARMS SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, PA17972 | — | — | 3.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Orwigsburg
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.
- PRICE BATTERY LEAD SMELTER9.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSchuylkill 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
Schuylkill County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Orwigsburg'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. | 55.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.67 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Orwigsburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Orwigsburg ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Orwigsburg's water comes from
Orwigsburg'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 3,380 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Orwigsburg
Orwigsburg is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Orwigsburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORWIGSBURG MUNICIPAL WATER WKS | PA3540024 | 3,000 | GW |
| DEER LAKE CITIZENS ASSOC | PA3540036 | 380 | GW |
How Orwigsburg compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Orwigsburg's score of 38.3/100 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 Orwigsburg, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Orwigsburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Schuylkill
Frequently asked questions
Is Orwigsburg, PA tap water safe to drink?
Orwigsburg's water quality earned a grade of F (38.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #469 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Orwigsburg's water?
Lead was measured at 55.2 ppb (90th percentile). 58 violations are on record.
How is Orwigsburg'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 Orwigsburg?
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 Orwigsburg's water come from?
Orwigsburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,380 residents.
What health violations has Orwigsburg's water system had?
Orwigsburg has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.
Is Orwigsburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Orwigsburg 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 58 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 Orwigsburg's water compare to other cities?
Orwigsburg ranks #469 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 16% of state cities) and #15348 out of 15744 cities nationally (3th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.