WaterVerge

Is Reinholds, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

2K residents served 1 water system PWSID: PA7360141
Overall Score
82.6 / 100
Violations
2 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#66 of 560 in Pennsylvania Top 44% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
B+GRADE
Water Quality Grade
82.6/100
waterverge.com
B+ 82.6/100

Reinholds, PA — Water Quality Report

Reinholds's drinking water received a grade of B+ (82.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,430 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 4.0 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 88 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.

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

What to know about Reinholds's water

Reinholds ranks #66 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Reinholds 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.

As a small community water system, Reinholds may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
82.6 out of 100 Grade B+
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
37.6/45
B
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
13/20
C
Lead at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
10/10
A
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Reinholds, PA water safe to drink?

Use Caution

Reinholds's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (82.6/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,430 residents using groundwater (wells).

2
Active Violations
4.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
10 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Reinholds

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

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Reinholds's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (82.6/100).

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
TROPICAL STORM LEE

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 Reinholds's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 4.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 1.38 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Reinholds's water system has 88 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

OtherMRMON
Most recent violations:
Oct 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Oct 2022 Chlorine Resolved
May 2017 Revised Total Coliform Rule Resolved
Apr 2017 Chlorine Resolved
Jan 2017 Nitrate Resolved

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 Tulpehocken Creek Near Bernville, Blue Marsh Lake Near Bernville, Tulpehocken Cr At Blue Marsh Damsite Near Reading, Tulpehocken Creek Near Reading.

HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3356
TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA DR-4030
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA DR-3340

Where does Reinholds's water come from?

Reinholds's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,430 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tulpehocken Creek Near Bernville (river), Blue Marsh Lake Near Bernville (lake), Tulpehocken Cr At Blue Marsh Damsite Near Reading (river), Tulpehocken Creek Near Reading (river).

What Reinholds residents can do

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

Reinholds'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
4.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 27% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
1.38 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +6% over limit
Exceeds Limit
Compliance Record

Violation summary

88
Total violations
0
Health-based
2
Active / unresolved
Oct 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

88 Total
2 Active
0 Health-based
86 Resolved
2 SNC
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
40
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
12
Nitrate Rule
10
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
10
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
6
Oct 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Oct 2022 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Oct 2022
May 2017 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved May 2017
Apr 2017 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2017
Jan 2017 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2017
Jan 2017 Resolved
Nitrite
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2017
Jul 2016 Resolved
Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2016
Jul 2016 Resolved
TTHM
Monitoring & Reporting
SNC Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2016
May 2016 Resolved
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Monitoring
Monitoring Resolved May 2016
Apr 2016 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2016
Jul 2007 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2007
Jul 2007 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2007
Oct 2006 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2006
Oct 2006 Resolved
Nitrate
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2006
Jul 2006 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2006
Jul 2006 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2006
Apr 2006 Resolved
Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2006
Apr 2006 Resolved
Combined Uranium
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2006
Apr 2006 Resolved
Radium-226
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Jun 2006
Showing 20 of 88 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Reinholds

Industrial polluters nearby

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

Total reported releases to surface water: 270 lbs

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
HIGH CONCRETE GROUP LLC - DENVER FACILITY
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · HIGH INDUSTRIES INC
DENVER, PA17517
Manganese2613.0 mi
HOFMANN INDUSTRIES INC
Primary Metals · HOFMANN INDUSTRIES INC
SINKING SPRING, PA19608
Zinc compounds66.9 mi
KALAS MANUFACTURING INC PLANT 2
Primary Metals · KALAS MANUFACTURING INC
DENVER, PA17517
Zinc compounds23.3 mi
WER CORP DBA ALUMINUM ALLOYS
Primary Metals · NA
SINKING SPRING, PA19608
Lead06.1 mi
PLAIN & FANCY KITCHENS
Furniture · FABUWOOD CUSTOM CABINETRY
SCHAEFFERSTOWN, PA17088
9.7 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Site context

Superfund sites within 10 miles of Reinholds

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.

Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List

Environmental Risk

Drought conditions

D2 — severe drought

Lancaster 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.

3
Weeks at D2+ (current streak)
9.5%
Months in D2+ (last 30y)
9
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
Oct 2012
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

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.

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 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3235
Sep 2004
TROPICAL DEPRESSION IVAN
Hurricane FEMA #1557
Sep 1999
HURRICANE FLOYD MAJOR DISASTER DECLARATIONS
Hurricane FEMA #1294

Recommended water filters

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

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 4.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 1.38 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 1.0 ppb from 1993 (5.0 ppb) to 1996 (4.0 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 1.380 mg/L (2019)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
2,430
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Reinholds's water comes from

Groundwater

Reinholds'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 2,430 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Reinholds

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

Tulpehocken Creek Near Bernville
river
Blue Marsh Lake Near Bernville
lake
Tulpehocken Cr At Blue Marsh Damsite Near Reading
river
Tulpehocken Creek Near Reading
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Reinholds

System Name PWSID Population Source
WEST COCALICO TWP WATER AUTH PA7360141 2,430 GW
Regional Comparison

How Reinholds compares

Full Pennsylvania rankings →

Reinholds's score of 82.6/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.

Reinholds (this city)
82.6
Bryn Mawr
34.2
Mcmurray
86.8
Greensburg
46.7
Pennsylvania avg
49
City Profile

About Reinholds, PA

Economic Profile
$87,603
Median Income
$233,266
Median Home Value
$1,280/mo
Median Rent
0%
Unemployment
Community
37.5
Median Age
982
People / sq mi
26.2%
College Educated
88.9%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Reinholds, PA tap water safe to drink?

Reinholds's water quality earned a grade of B+ (82.6/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #66 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.

What contaminants are in Reinholds's water?

Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 88 violations are on record.

How is Reinholds'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 Reinholds?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Reinholds's water come from?

Reinholds's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,430 residents.

Is Reinholds's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Reinholds 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 88 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 Reinholds's water compare to other cities?

Reinholds ranks #66 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 88% of state cities) and #6868 out of 15744 cities nationally (56th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Reinholds's small water system affect quality?

Reinholds's system serves approximately 2,430 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 88 violations on record.