Is Schaefferstown, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
90/100
waterverge.com Schaefferstown, PA — Water Quality Report
Schaefferstown's drinking water received a grade of A (90 out of 100), indicating excellent water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 975 residents using groundwater.
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 48 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Schaefferstown's water
Schaefferstown ranks #10 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Schaefferstown 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, Schaefferstown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Schaefferstown, PA water safe to drink?
Schaefferstown's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of A (90/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 975 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Schaefferstown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Schaefferstown's water quality assessment. Grade: A (90/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4030). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Schaefferstown'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
Schaefferstown's water system has 48 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
Lebanon County has experienced 9 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 Tulpehocken Creek Near Bernville, Hammer Creek At Obie Rd Nr Schafferstown.
Where does Schaefferstown's water come from?
Schaefferstown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 975 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tulpehocken Creek Near Bernville (river), Hammer Creek At Obie Rd Nr Schafferstown (river).
What Schaefferstown 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.
Schaefferstown'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 Schaefferstown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Schaefferstown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 44 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KENVUE BRANDS LLC LITITZ, PA17543 | Zinc compounds | 43 | 9.4 mi |
TECH CAST LLC MYERSTOWN, PA17067 | Nickel | 1 | 4.9 mi |
BQC FOUNDRY LEBANON, PA17042 | Lead | 0 | 4.7 mi |
PRL INDUSTRIES INC CORNWALL, PA17016 | — | — | 6.3 mi |
DFA DAIRY BRANDS FLUID LLC DBA SWISS PREMIUM LEBANON, PA17042 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Schaefferstown
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.
- WHITMOYER LABORATORIES5.0 mi
- RYELAND ROAD ARSENIC SITE7.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtLebanon 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
Lebanon County has experienced 9 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 Schaefferstown'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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Schaefferstown compares by contaminant
Explore where Schaefferstown ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Schaefferstown's water comes from
Schaefferstown'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 975 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Schaefferstown
Schaefferstown is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Schaefferstown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEIDELBERG TWP MUNI AUTH | PA7380033 | 975 | GW |
How Schaefferstown compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Schaefferstown's score of 90/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 10 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Schaefferstown, PA
Wikipedia →Schaefferstown is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Heidelberg Township, Lebanon County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 941 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Schaefferstown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lebanon
Frequently asked questions
Is Schaefferstown, PA tap water safe to drink?
Schaefferstown's water quality earned a grade of A (90/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #10 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Schaefferstown's water?
Lead was measured at 6.0 ppb (90th percentile). 48 violations are on record.
How is Schaefferstown'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 Schaefferstown?
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 Schaefferstown's water come from?
Schaefferstown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 975 residents.
What health violations has Schaefferstown's water system had?
Schaefferstown has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2017. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 2 violations remain unresolved.
Is Schaefferstown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Schaefferstown 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 48 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 Schaefferstown's water compare to other cities?
Schaefferstown ranks #10 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 98% of state cities) and #2482 out of 15744 cities nationally (84th percentile). The grade of A reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Schaefferstown's small water system affect quality?
Schaefferstown's system serves approximately 975 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 48 violations on record.