Is Petrolia, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
85.8/100
waterverge.com Petrolia, PA — Water Quality Report
Petrolia's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,800 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 10 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Petrolia's water
Petrolia ranks #38 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Petrolia purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Petrolia, PA water safe to drink?
Petrolia's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Petrolia
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Petrolia's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.8/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3235). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Petrolia's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Petrolia's water system has 10 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Butler County has experienced 6 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 Allegheny River At Parker.
Where does Petrolia's water come from?
Petrolia's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Allegheny River At Parker (river).
What Petrolia residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Petrolia'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.
Petrolia'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 Petrolia
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Petrolia, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 111 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SONNEBORN LLC PETROLIA, PA16050 | Barium And Barium Compounds | 111 | 0.5 mi |
CMC IMPACT METALS CHICORA, PA16025 | — | — | 4.7 mi |
CALUMET KARNS CITY REFINING LLC KARNS CITY, PA16041 | — | — | 1.8 mi |
ETC NORTHEAST PIPELINE/GALAXY COMP STA PARKER, PA16049 | — | — | 4.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Butler County has experienced 6 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 Petrolia'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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| 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. | 3.00 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Petrolia compares by contaminant
Explore where Petrolia ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Petrolia's water comes from
Petrolia purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Petrolia's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 3,800 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Petrolia
Petrolia is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Petrolia
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PETROLEUM VALLEY RWA | PA5100147 | 3,800 | GWP |
How Petrolia compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Petrolia's score of 85.8/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Petrolia, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Petrolia's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Butler
Frequently asked questions
Is Petrolia, PA tap water safe to drink?
Petrolia's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.8/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #38 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Petrolia's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 10 violations are on record.
How is Petrolia'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 Petrolia?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Petrolia's water come from?
Petrolia's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,800 residents.
Is Petrolia's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Petrolia 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 10 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 Petrolia's water compare to other cities?
Petrolia ranks #38 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 93% of state cities) and #5094 out of 15744 cities nationally (68th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.