Is Quarryville, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
45.9/100
waterverge.com Quarryville, PA — Water Quality Report
Quarryville's drinking water received a grade of D (45.9 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,980 residents using purchased surface water.
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 319 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.
What to know about Quarryville's water
Quarryville ranks #379 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average 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.
The system has seen 34 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Quarryville, PA water safe to drink?
Quarryville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (45.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 3,980 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Quarryville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Quarryville's water quality assessment. Grade: D (45.9/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4030). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Quarryville'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
Quarryville's water system has 319 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 34 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lancaster County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. 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 Big Spring Run Near Mylin Corners, Pequea Creek Near Ronks, Susquehanna River On Forsythe At Drumore, Susquehanna River Near Peach Bottom.
Where does Quarryville's water come from?
Quarryville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 3,980 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Big Spring Run Near Mylin Corners (river), Pequea Creek Near Ronks (river), Susquehanna River On Forsythe At Drumore (river), Susquehanna River Near Peach Bottom (river).
What Quarryville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Quarryville'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.
Quarryville'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 Quarryville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Quarryville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 178 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DUTCHLAND LLC CHRISTIANA, PA17527 | Manganese | 178 | 9.8 mi |
STRYTEN LAMPETER LLC LANCASTER, PA17602 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
BUCK CO INC QUARRYVILLE, PA17566 | — | — | 3.8 mi |
STONER INC QUARRYVILLE, PA17566 | — | — | 2.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLancaster 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
Lancaster County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1973. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Quarryville'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. | 3.0 | 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. | 1.72 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.723 mg/L (2022)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Quarryville compares by contaminant
Explore where Quarryville ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Quarryville's water comes from
Quarryville'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 3,980 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Quarryville
Quarryville is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Quarryville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| QUARRYVILLE BORO | PA7360112 | 3,150 | SWP |
| QUARRYVILLE PRESBY RET COMM | PA7360167 | 750 | GW |
| BEAVER VALLEY MHP | PA7360101 | 50 | GW |
| RIDGE ON THE COMMONS | PA7360182 | 30 | GW |
How Quarryville compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Quarryville's score of 45.9/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Quarryville, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Quarryville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lancaster
Frequently asked questions
Is Quarryville, PA tap water safe to drink?
Quarryville's water quality earned a grade of D (45.9/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #379 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Quarryville's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 319 violations are on record.
How is Quarryville'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 Quarryville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Quarryville's water come from?
Quarryville's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 3,980 residents.
What health violations has Quarryville's water system had?
Quarryville has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 25 violations remain unresolved.
How does Quarryville's water compare to other cities?
Quarryville ranks #379 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 32% of state cities) and #14100 out of 15744 cities nationally (10th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.