Is Sheffield, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
69.6/100
waterverge.com Sheffield, PA — Water Quality Report
Sheffield's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,300 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 249 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sheffield's water
Sheffield ranks #191 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Sheffield 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, Sheffield may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sheffield, PA water safe to drink?
Sheffield's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,300 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sheffield
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sheffield's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.6/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Combined Uranium, Radium-228.
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 Sheffield'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
Sheffield's water system has 249 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Warren County has experienced 5 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 Allegheny Reservoir Near Warren, Allegheny River Below Kinzua Dam At Big Bend, Allegheny River At Kinzua Dam, Allegheny River Bl Conewango Creek At Warren, Tionesta Creek At Lynch.
Where does Sheffield's water come from?
Sheffield's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,300 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Allegheny Reservoir Near Warren (lake), Allegheny River Below Kinzua Dam At Big Bend (river), Allegheny River At Kinzua Dam (river), Allegheny River Bl Conewango Creek At Warren (river), Tionesta Creek At Lynch (river).
What Sheffield residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sheffield'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.
Sheffield'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 Sheffield
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Sheffield, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GG GREENE ENTERPRISES INC WARREN, PA16365 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Warren County has experienced 5 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 Sheffield'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. | 5.0 | 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. | 2.39 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 5.0 ppb (1993)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.390 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Sheffield compares by contaminant
Explore where Sheffield ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sheffield's water comes from
Sheffield'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 1,300 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Sheffield
Sheffield is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sheffield
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHEFFIELD TWP MUNICIPAL AUTH | PA6620031 | 1,075 | GW |
| WEST SHEFFIELD WATER ASSN | PA6620007 | 225 | GW |
How Sheffield compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Sheffield's score of 69.6/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Sheffield, PA
Wikipedia →Sheffield is a census-designated place (CDP) within Sheffield Township in southeastern Warren County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is named after Sheffield, England. The population was 1,123 as of the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sheffield's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Warren
Frequently asked questions
Is Sheffield, PA tap water safe to drink?
Sheffield's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #191 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Sheffield's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 249 violations are on record.
How is Sheffield'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 Sheffield?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sheffield's water come from?
Sheffield's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,300 residents.
What health violations has Sheffield's water system had?
Sheffield has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sheffield's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sheffield 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 249 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 Sheffield's water compare to other cities?
Sheffield ranks #191 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 66% of state cities) and #10894 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.