Is Renovo, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
44/100
waterverge.com Renovo, PA — Water Quality Report
Renovo's drinking water received a grade of F (44 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,150 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 664 violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 68 remain unresolved.
What to know about Renovo's water
Renovo ranks #399 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.
As a small community water system, Renovo may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 177 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Renovo, PA water safe to drink?
Renovo's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,150 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Renovo
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Renovo's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44/100).
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3340). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Renovo'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
Renovo's water system has 664 total violations on record, including 13 health-based violations. 68 remain unresolved. 177 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Clinton County has experienced 7 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 Kettle Creek At Cross Fork, Kettle Creek Near Westport, West Branch Susquehanna River At Renovo, Young Womans Creek Near Renovo.
Where does Renovo's water come from?
Renovo's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,150 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Kettle Creek At Cross Fork (river), Kettle Creek Near Westport (river), West Branch Susquehanna River At Renovo (river), Young Womans Creek Near Renovo (river).
What Renovo residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Renovo'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.
Renovo'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
Flood & disaster history
Clinton County has experienced 7 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 Renovo'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. | 1.0 | 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. | 1.90 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.900 mg/L (1995)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Renovo compares by contaminant
Explore where Renovo ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Renovo's water comes from
Renovo'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 3,150 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Renovo
Renovo 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 Renovo
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WESTERN CLINTON CO MUN AUTH | PA4180058 | 2,610 | SW |
| SOUTH RENOVO WATER SYSTEM | PA4180059 | 540 | SW |
How Renovo compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Renovo's score of 44/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Renovo, PA
Wikipedia →Renovo is a borough in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, United States, 28 miles (45 km) northwest of Lock Haven. As of the 2020 census, Renovo had a population of 1,061.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Renovo's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Clinton
Frequently asked questions
Is Renovo, PA tap water safe to drink?
Renovo's water quality earned a grade of F (44/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #399 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Renovo's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 664 violations are on record.
How is Renovo'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 Renovo?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Renovo's water come from?
Renovo's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,150 residents.
What health violations has Renovo's water system had?
Renovo has 13 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 68 violations remain unresolved.
How does Renovo's water compare to other cities?
Renovo ranks #399 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 29% of state cities) and #14473 out of 15744 cities nationally (8th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.