Is Salisbury, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
68.3/100
waterverge.com Salisbury, PA — Water Quality Report
Salisbury's drinking water received a grade of C+ (68.3 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 725 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 13.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 61 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Salisbury's water
Salisbury ranks #204 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Salisbury 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Salisbury may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Salisbury, PA water safe to drink?
Salisbury's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (68.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 725 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Salisbury
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Salisbury's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (68.3/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Public Notice, Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4099). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
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 Salisbury's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Salisbury's water system has 61 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Somerset 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. Local water sources include Casselman River, Casselman River At Markleton.
Where does Salisbury's water come from?
Salisbury's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 725 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Casselman River (river), Casselman River At Markleton (river).
What Salisbury residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Salisbury'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.
Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.
Salisbury'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 Salisbury
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Salisbury, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
4 GUYS INC MEYERSDALE, PA15552 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
HOOVER CONVEYOR & FABRICATION CORP MEYERSDALE, PA15552 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
ITI TRAILER & TRUCK BODIES INC MEYERSDALE, PA15552 | — | — | 2.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSomerset 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
Somerset 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 Salisbury'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. | 13.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Salisbury compares by contaminant
Explore where Salisbury ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Salisbury's water comes from
Salisbury'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 725 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Salisbury
Salisbury is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Salisbury
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SALISBURY BORO WATER COMM | PA4560041 | 725 | GW |
How Salisbury compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Salisbury's score of 68.3/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Salisbury, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Salisbury's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Somerset
Frequently asked questions
Is Salisbury, PA tap water safe to drink?
Salisbury's water quality earned a grade of C+ (68.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #204 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Salisbury's water?
Lead was measured at 13.0 ppb (90th percentile). 61 violations are on record.
How is Salisbury'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 Salisbury?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Salisbury's water come from?
Salisbury's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 725 residents.
What health violations has Salisbury's water system had?
Salisbury has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Salisbury's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Salisbury 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 61 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 Salisbury's water compare to other cities?
Salisbury ranks #204 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 64% of state cities) and #11099 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Salisbury's small water system affect quality?
Salisbury's system serves approximately 725 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 61 violations on record.