Is Penfield, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
61.7/100
waterverge.com Penfield, PA — Water Quality Report
Penfield's drinking water received a grade of C (61.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 960 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 43.7 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 67 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Penfield's water
Penfield ranks #252 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.
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, Penfield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Penfield, PA water safe to drink?
Penfield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 960 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Penfield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Penfield's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61.7/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Penfield's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Penfield's water system has 67 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Delaware County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 Delaware River At Penn'S Landing, Philadelphia, Stony Creek At Sterigere Street At Norristown, Schuylkill River At Norristown, Schuylkill River At Conshohocken, Schuylkill River At Manayunk, Philadelphia.
Where does Penfield's water come from?
Penfield's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 960 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Delaware River At Penn'S Landing, Philadelphia (river), Stony Creek At Sterigere Street At Norristown (river), Schuylkill River At Norristown (river), Schuylkill River At Conshohocken (river), Schuylkill River At Manayunk, Philadelphia (river).
What Penfield residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Penfield'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.
Penfield'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 Penfield
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Penfield, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OWENS-BROCKWAY GLASS CONTAINER INC PLANT 19 BROCKPORT, PA15823 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
MODERN INDUSTRIES KERSEY DIV KERSEY, PA15846 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Delaware County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Penfield'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. | 43.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Penfield compares by contaminant
Explore where Penfield ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Penfield's water comes from
Penfield'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 960 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Penfield
Penfield 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 Penfield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUSTON TWP MUNI AUTH | PA6170024 | 960 | SWP |
How Penfield compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Penfield's score of 61.7/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Penfield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clearfield
Frequently asked questions
Is Penfield, PA tap water safe to drink?
Penfield's water quality earned a grade of C (61.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #252 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Penfield's water?
Lead was measured at 43.7 ppb (90th percentile). 67 violations are on record.
How is Penfield'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 Penfield?
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 Penfield's water come from?
Penfield's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 960 residents.
What health violations has Penfield's water system had?
Penfield has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Penfield's water compare to other cities?
Penfield ranks #252 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 55% of state cities) and #11966 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Penfield's small water system affect quality?
Penfield's system serves approximately 960 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 67 violations on record.