Is Saxton, 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 ↓
42/100
waterverge.com Saxton, PA — Water Quality Report
Saxton's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,675 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 6.0 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 258 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Saxton's water
Saxton ranks #433 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
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, Saxton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 67 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Saxton, PA water safe to drink?
Saxton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,675 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Saxton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Saxton's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment 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 Saxton'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.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Saxton's water system has 258 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 67 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bedford County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1984. 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 Raystown Branch Juniata River At Saxton.
Where does Saxton's water come from?
Saxton's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,675 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Raystown Branch Juniata River At Saxton (river).
What Saxton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Saxton'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.
Saxton'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 Saxton
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Saxton, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARGILL FEED & NUTRITION MARTINSBURG MARTINSBURG, PA16662 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBedford 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
Bedford County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1984. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Saxton'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. | 6.0 | 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. | 1.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Saxton compares by contaminant
Explore where Saxton ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Saxton's water comes from
Saxton'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 1,675 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Saxton
Saxton is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Saxton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAXTON MUNI WATER AUTH | PA4050021 | 1,675 | SW |
How Saxton compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Saxton's score of 42/100 is below the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Saxton, PA
Wikipedia →Saxton is a borough in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 726 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Saxton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bedford
Frequently asked questions
Is Saxton, PA tap water safe to drink?
Saxton's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #433 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Saxton's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 258 violations are on record.
How is Saxton'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 Saxton?
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 Saxton's water come from?
Saxton's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,675 residents.
What health violations has Saxton's water system had?
Saxton has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 29 violations remain unresolved.
How does Saxton's water compare to other cities?
Saxton ranks #433 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 23% of state cities) and #14902 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Saxton's small water system affect quality?
Saxton's system serves approximately 1,675 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 258 violations on record.