WaterVerge

Is Perkasie, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B-, with 11 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

3K residents served 2 water systems PWSID: PA1090104
Overall Score
70.2 / 100
Violations
11 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#186 of 560 in Pennsylvania Top 69% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B-GRADE
Water Quality Grade
70.2/100
waterverge.com
B- 70.2/100

Perkasie, PA — Water Quality Report

Perkasie's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,494 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 5.9 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.

The system has 114 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Perkasie's water

Perkasie ranks #186 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.

Perkasie 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.

While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
70.2 out of 100 Grade B-
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
23.2/45
D
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
17/20
B
Lead at 5.9 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Perkasie, PA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Perkasie's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,494 residents using groundwater (wells).

11
Active Violations
5.9 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Perkasie

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Perkasie's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.2/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4099). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Perkasie's water supply.

Lead Elevated
Detected: 5.9 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.

Violation history

Perkasie's water system has 114 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 11 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherTTMONMR
Most recent violations:
Sep 2025 Public Notice Open
Jul 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Open
Mar 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jun 2023 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Jan 2020 Endrin Resolved

Flood & environmental risk

Bucks County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. 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 Nb Neshaminy Cr Bl Lake Galena Nr New Britain, Nb Neshaminy Creek At Chalfont, East Branch Perkiomen Creek Near Dublin, East Branch Perkiomen Creek Near Schwenksville.

REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA DR-4618
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-4099
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3356

Where does Perkasie's water come from?

Perkasie's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,494 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Nb Neshaminy Cr Bl Lake Galena Nr New Britain (river), Nb Neshaminy Creek At Chalfont (river), East Branch Perkiomen Creek Near Dublin (river), East Branch Perkiomen Creek Near Schwenksville (river).

What Perkasie residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Perkasie's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Perkasie'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
5.9 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 39% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

114
Total violations
1
Health-based
11
Active / unresolved
Sep 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

114 Total
11 Active
1 Health-based
103 Resolved
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
64
Volatile Organic Chemicals
20
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
6
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
5
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
5
Sep 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2025 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Treatment Technique
Health-Based Health 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2013 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2007 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2007 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2007 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2007 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2006 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Feb 2006 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Mar 2025 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Mar 2025
Jun 2023 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved Jun 2023
Jan 2020 Resolved
Endrin
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2020
Jan 2020 Resolved
Methoxychlor
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2020
Jan 2020 Resolved
Diquat
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2020
Jan 2020 Resolved
Endothall
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2020
Jan 2020 Resolved
Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2020
Jan 2020 Resolved
OXAMYL
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2020
Jan 2020 Resolved
Simazine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2020
Showing 20 of 114 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Perkasie

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Perkasie, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

Total reported releases to surface water: 337,906 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
JBS SOUDERTON INC - RENDERING DIV
Food · JBS USA FOOD CO
SOUDERTON, PA18964
Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution)337,9006.9 mi
OLDCASTLE INFRASTRUCTURE
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CRH AMERICAS INC
TELFORD, PA18969
Manganese compounds62.3 mi
PENNENGINEERING
Fabricated Metals · NA
DANBORO, PA18916
8.1 mi
MALMARK BELLS INC
Miscellaneous Manufacturing · NA
PLUMSTEADVILLE, PA18949
7.8 mi
CLEVELAND STEEL CONTAINER CORP
Fabricated Metals · CLEVELAND STEEL CONTAINER CORP
QUAKERTOWN, PA18951
5.5 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Perkasie

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.

+ 4 more sites

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D1 — moderate drought

Bucks 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.

10.7%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
6
Weeks at D2+ (last 5y)

Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

10
Declared disasters
Sep 2021
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Bucks County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1999. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Sep 2021
REMNANTS OF HURRICANE IDA
Hurricane FEMA #4618
Jan 2013
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #4099
Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3356
Sep 2011
TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA #4030
Sep 2011
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA #3340
Sep 2011
HURRICANE IRENE
Hurricane FEMA #4025

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Perkasie's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🚰
For Lead
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53-Certified Pitcher
Lead detected at 5.9 ppb
Read our guide →

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 5.9 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 0.1 ppb from 1993 (6.0 ppb) to 1996 (5.9 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
3,494
Water Systems
2
Water Source

Where Perkasie's water comes from

Groundwater

Perkasie'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 3,494 people through 2 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Perkasie

Perkasie is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

Nb Neshaminy Cr Bl Lake Galena Nr New Britain
river
Nb Neshaminy Creek At Chalfont
river
East Branch Perkiomen Creek Near Dublin
river
East Branch Perkiomen Creek Near Schwenksville
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Perkasie

System Name PWSID Population Source
BEDMINSTER MUN AUTH PA1090104 3,042 GW
PENNLAND FARMS PA1090163 452 GW
Regional Comparison

How Perkasie compares

Full Pennsylvania rankings →

Perkasie's score of 70.2/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Perkasie (this city)
70.2
Bryn Mawr
34.2
Mcmurray
86.8
Greensburg
46.7
Pennsylvania avg
49
City Profile

About Perkasie, PA

Economic Profile
$95,319
Median Income
$309,930
Median Home Value
$1,107/mo
Median Rent
3.8%
Unemployment
Community
37.1
Median Age
1,390
People / sq mi
41.6%
College Educated
69.6%
Homeownership
Share this reportHelp others learn about their water quality
WhatsAppXFacebookLinkedInEmail

Frequently asked questions

Is Perkasie, PA tap water safe to drink?

Perkasie's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #186 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.

What contaminants are in Perkasie's water?

Lead was measured at 5.9 ppb (90th percentile). 114 violations are on record.

How is Perkasie'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 Perkasie?

While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Perkasie's water come from?

Perkasie's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,494 residents.

What health violations has Perkasie's water system had?

Perkasie has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.

Is Perkasie's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Perkasie 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 114 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 Perkasie's water compare to other cities?

Perkasie ranks #186 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 67% of state cities) and #10788 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.