Is Shinglehouse, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
30/100
waterverge.com Shinglehouse, PA — Water Quality Report
Shinglehouse's drinking water received a grade of F (30 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,250 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1800.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 226 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shinglehouse's water
Shinglehouse ranks #536 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Shinglehouse 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Shinglehouse may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 72 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shinglehouse, PA water safe to drink?
Shinglehouse's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (30/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,250 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Shinglehouse
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shinglehouse's water quality assessment. Grade: F (30/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4099). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Shinglehouse's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Shinglehouse's water system has 226 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 30 remain unresolved. 72 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Potter County has experienced 7 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 River At Port Allegany, Oswayo Creek At Shinglehouse, Root Creek.
Where does Shinglehouse's water come from?
Shinglehouse's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,250 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 River At Port Allegany (river), Oswayo Creek At Shinglehouse (river), Root Creek (river).
What Shinglehouse residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Shinglehouse'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.
Shinglehouse'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
Flood & disaster history
Potter County has experienced 7 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 Shinglehouse'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. | 1800.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| 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. | 1.38 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.380 mg/L (2007)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Shinglehouse compares by contaminant
Explore where Shinglehouse ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shinglehouse's water comes from
Shinglehouse'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 1,250 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Shinglehouse
Shinglehouse is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Shinglehouse
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHINGLEHOUSE BORO WATER DEPT | PA6530013 | 1,250 | GW |
How Shinglehouse compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Shinglehouse's score of 30/100 is below the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Shinglehouse, PA
Wikipedia →Shinglehouse is a borough in Potter County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,108 at the time of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shinglehouse's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Potter
Frequently asked questions
Is Shinglehouse, PA tap water safe to drink?
Shinglehouse's water quality earned a grade of F (30/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #536 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Shinglehouse's water?
Lead was measured at 1800.0 ppb (90th percentile). 226 violations are on record.
How is Shinglehouse'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 Shinglehouse?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shinglehouse's water come from?
Shinglehouse's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,250 residents.
Is Shinglehouse's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Shinglehouse 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 226 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 Shinglehouse's water compare to other cities?
Shinglehouse ranks #536 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 4% of state cities) and #15690 out of 15744 cities nationally (0th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Shinglehouse's small water system affect quality?
Shinglehouse's system serves approximately 1,250 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 226 violations on record.