Is Sandy Lake, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
48.6/100
waterverge.com Sandy Lake, PA — Water Quality Report
Sandy Lake's drinking water received a grade of D (48.6 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.5 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 61 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sandy Lake's water
Sandy Lake ranks #340 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Sandy Lake 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, Sandy Lake may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 27 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sandy Lake, PA water safe to drink?
Sandy Lake's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (48.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sandy Lake
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sandy Lake's water quality assessment. Grade: D (48.6/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Beryllium, Total, Barium, Nickel.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3235). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Sandy Lake'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
Sandy Lake's water system has 61 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 13 remain unresolved. 27 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Mercer County has experienced 6 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 French Creek At Utica.
Where does Sandy Lake's water come from?
Sandy Lake's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include French Creek At Utica (river).
What Sandy Lake residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sandy Lake'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.
Sandy Lake'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 Sandy Lake
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sandy Lake, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
OLDCASTLE APG - FREDONIA FREDONIA, PA16124 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
COMPONENT INTERTECHNOLOGIES INC HADLEY, PA16130 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
RUSSELL STANDARD MERCER MERCER, PA16137 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Mercer County has experienced 6 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 Sandy Lake'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. | 3.5 | 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. | 1.47 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.470 mg/L (2004)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Sandy Lake compares by contaminant
Explore where Sandy Lake ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sandy Lake's water comes from
Sandy Lake'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 1,100 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sandy Lake
Sandy Lake is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sandy Lake
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SANDY LAKE BORO | PA6430052 | 1,100 | GW |
How Sandy Lake compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Sandy Lake's score of 48.6/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Sandy Lake, PA
Wikipedia →Sandy Lake is a borough in eastern Mercer County, Pennsylvania, United States. It was established in 1849. The population was 649 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Hermitage micropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sandy Lake's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mercer
Frequently asked questions
Is Sandy Lake, PA tap water safe to drink?
Sandy Lake's water quality earned a grade of D (48.6/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #340 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Sandy Lake's water?
Lead was measured at 3.5 ppb (90th percentile). 61 violations are on record.
How is Sandy Lake'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 Sandy Lake?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sandy Lake's water come from?
Sandy Lake's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 residents.
Is Sandy Lake's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sandy Lake 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 Sandy Lake's water compare to other cities?
Sandy Lake ranks #340 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 39% of state cities) and #13432 out of 15744 cities nationally (15th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sandy Lake's small water system affect quality?
Sandy Lake's system serves approximately 1,100 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.