Is Shamokin Dam, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.5/100
waterverge.com Shamokin Dam, PA — Water Quality Report
Shamokin Dam's drinking water received a grade of B (78.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,700 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 179 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shamokin Dam's water
Shamokin Dam ranks #107 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average 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.
As a small community water system, Shamokin Dam may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shamokin Dam, PA water safe to drink?
Shamokin Dam's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,700 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Shamokin Dam
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shamokin Dam's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.5/100).
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Radium-226, Radium-228.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Shamokin Dam's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Shamokin Dam's water system has 179 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Snyder 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 West Branch Susquehanna River At Lewisburg, Chillisquaque Creek Near Potts Grove, Susquehanna River Above Dam At Sunbury, Susquehanna River At Sunbury.
Where does Shamokin Dam's water come from?
Shamokin Dam's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,700 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include West Branch Susquehanna River At Lewisburg (river), Chillisquaque Creek Near Potts Grove (river), Susquehanna River Above Dam At Sunbury (river), Susquehanna River At Sunbury (river).
What Shamokin Dam residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Shamokin Dam'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.
Shamokin Dam'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 Shamokin Dam
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Shamokin Dam, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ANTHRACITE INDUSTRIES,INC. SUNBURY, PA17801 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
WOOD-MODE LLC KREAMER, PA17833 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
US BUREAU OF PRISONS LEWISBURG PENITENTIARY LEWISBURG, PA17837 | — | — | 10.0 mi |
PLAYWORLD INC LEWISBURG, PA17837 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
TRUCK ACCESSORIES GROUP. LLC DBA TAG EAST MILTON, PA17847 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Snyder 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.
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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Shamokin Dam compares by contaminant
Explore where Shamokin Dam ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shamokin Dam's water comes from
Shamokin Dam'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 1,700 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Shamokin Dam
Shamokin Dam is located near 4 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Shamokin Dam
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHAMOKIN DAM BOROUGH | PA4550022 | 1,700 | SW |
How Shamokin Dam compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Shamokin Dam's score of 78.5/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Shamokin Dam, PA
Wikipedia →Shamokin Dam is a borough in Snyder County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,647 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shamokin Dam's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Snyder
Frequently asked questions
Is Shamokin Dam, PA tap water safe to drink?
Shamokin Dam's water quality earned a grade of B (78.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #107 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Shamokin Dam's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 179 violations are on record.
How is Shamokin Dam'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 Shamokin Dam?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shamokin Dam's water come from?
Shamokin Dam's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,700 residents.
What health violations has Shamokin Dam's water system had?
Shamokin Dam has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
How does Shamokin Dam's water compare to other cities?
Shamokin Dam ranks #107 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 81% of state cities) and #8672 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Shamokin Dam's small water system affect quality?
Shamokin Dam's system serves approximately 1,700 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 179 violations on record.