Is Richlandtown, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 29 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
67.4/100
waterverge.com Richlandtown, PA — Water Quality Report
Richlandtown's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.4 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,450 residents using groundwater.
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 325 violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Richlandtown's water
Richlandtown ranks #212 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Richlandtown 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, Richlandtown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Richlandtown, PA water safe to drink?
Richlandtown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,450 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Richlandtown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Richlandtown's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.4/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Richlandtown's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Richlandtown's water system has 325 total violations on record, including 38 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
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 Lehigh River At Bethlehem, Delaware River At Riegelsville, East Branch Perkiomen Creek Near Dublin.
Where does Richlandtown's water come from?
Richlandtown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,450 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Lehigh River At Bethlehem (river), Delaware River At Riegelsville (river), East Branch Perkiomen Creek Near Dublin (river).
What Richlandtown residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Richlandtown'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.
Richlandtown'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 Richlandtown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Richlandtown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 7 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OLDCASTLE INFRASTRUCTURE TELFORD, PA18969 | Manganese compounds | 6 | 9.2 mi |
LEHIGH HEAVY FORGE CORP BETHLEHEM, PA18015 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 1 | 9.8 mi |
BETHLEHEM APPARATUS CO INC HELLERTOWN, PA18055 | — | — | 7.6 mi |
CLEVELAND STEEL CONTAINER CORP QUAKERTOWN, PA18951 | — | — | 1.9 mi |
OLDCASTLE LAWN & GARDEN QUAKERTOWN, PA18951 | — | — | 1.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Richlandtown
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.
- WATSON JOHNSON LANDFILL1.0 mi
- REVERE CHEMICAL CO8.3 mi
- HELLERTOWN MANUFACTURING CO8.6 mi
- DUBLIN TCE SITE9.3 mi
- RODALE MANUFACTURING CO INC9.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtBucks 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.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
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.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Richlandtown compares by contaminant
Explore where Richlandtown ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Richlandtown's water comes from
Richlandtown'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 1,450 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Richlandtown
Richlandtown is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Richlandtown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RICHLANDTOWN WATER DEPARTMENT | PA1090057 | 1,450 | GW |
How Richlandtown compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Richlandtown's score of 67.4/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Richlandtown, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Richlandtown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bucks
Frequently asked questions
Is Richlandtown, PA tap water safe to drink?
Richlandtown's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.4/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #212 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Richlandtown's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 325 violations are on record.
How is Richlandtown'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 Richlandtown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Richlandtown's water come from?
Richlandtown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,450 residents.
What health violations has Richlandtown's water system had?
Richlandtown has 38 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 29 violations remain unresolved.
Is Richlandtown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Richlandtown 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 325 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 Richlandtown's water compare to other cities?
Richlandtown ranks #212 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 62% of state cities) and #11242 out of 15744 cities nationally (29th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Richlandtown's small water system affect quality?
Richlandtown's system serves approximately 1,450 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 325 violations on record.