Is Ringtown, 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 ↓
86.5/100
waterverge.com Ringtown, PA — Water Quality Report
Ringtown's drinking water received a grade of A- (86.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 823 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 13 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ringtown's water
Ringtown ranks #34 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Ringtown 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, Ringtown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ringtown, PA water safe to drink?
Ringtown's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A- (86.5/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 823 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ringtown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ringtown's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (86.5/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Ringtown'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
Ringtown's water system has 13 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Schuylkill County has experienced 10 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.
Where does Ringtown's water come from?
Ringtown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 823 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Ringtown residents can do
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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Ringtown'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 Ringtown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ringtown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ASHLAND FOUNDRY & MACHINE WORKS ASHLAND, PA17921 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
GILBERTON POWER CO FRACKVILLE, PA17931 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
SAINT NICHOLAS COGENERATION PROJECT SHENANDOAH, PA17976 | — | — | 4.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSchuylkill 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
Schuylkill County has experienced 10 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 Ringtown'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. | 4.0 | 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. | 2.25 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ringtown compares by contaminant
Explore where Ringtown ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ringtown's water comes from
Ringtown'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 823 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Ringtown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RINGTOWN BORO WATER DEPARTMENT | PA3540039 | 823 | GW |
How Ringtown compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Ringtown's score of 86.5/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Ringtown, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ringtown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Schuylkill
Frequently asked questions
Is Ringtown, PA tap water safe to drink?
Ringtown's water quality earned a grade of A- (86.5/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #34 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Ringtown's water?
Lead was measured at 4.0 ppb (90th percentile). 13 violations are on record.
How is Ringtown'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 Ringtown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ringtown's water come from?
Ringtown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 823 residents.
What health violations has Ringtown's water system had?
Ringtown has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2020. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ringtown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ringtown 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 13 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 Ringtown's water compare to other cities?
Ringtown ranks #34 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 94% of state cities) and #4687 out of 15744 cities nationally (70th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ringtown's small water system affect quality?
Ringtown's system serves approximately 823 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 13 violations on record.