Is Shoemakersville, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
79.6/100
waterverge.com Shoemakersville, PA — Water Quality Report
Shoemakersville's drinking water received a grade of B (79.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,295 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 64 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Shoemakersville's water
Shoemakersville ranks #92 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Shoemakersville 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, Shoemakersville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Shoemakersville, PA water safe to drink?
Shoemakersville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,295 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Shoemakersville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Shoemakersville's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.6/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
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 Shoemakersville'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
Shoemakersville's water system has 64 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Berks 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 Schuylkill River At Berne, Maiden Creek Near Virginville, Maiden Creek At Berkley, Blue Marsh Lake Near Bernville, Tulpehocken Cr At Blue Marsh Damsite Near Reading.
Where does Shoemakersville's water come from?
Shoemakersville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,295 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Schuylkill River At Berne (river), Maiden Creek Near Virginville (river), Maiden Creek At Berkley (river), Blue Marsh Lake Near Bernville (lake), Tulpehocken Cr At Blue Marsh Damsite Near Reading (river).
What Shoemakersville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Shoemakersville'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.
Shoemakersville'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 Shoemakersville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Shoemakersville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,068,532 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CARPENTER TECHNOLOGY CORP READING, PA19601 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 1,068,218 | 9.7 mi |
CAMBRIDGE-LEE INDUSTRIES READING, PA19605 | Copper | 235 | 5.8 mi |
MATERION BRUSH INC SHOEMAKERSVILLE, PA19555 | Copper compounds | 43 | 0.6 mi |
YUASA BATTERY INC. LAURELDALE, PA19605 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 35 | 8.7 mi |
CAN CORP OF AMERICA INC BLANDON, PA19510 | — | — | 5.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Shoemakersville
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.
- BROWN S BATTERY BREAKING2.1 mi
- PRICE BATTERY LEAD SMELTER3.5 mi
- FORMER EXIDE TECHNOLOGIES LAURELDALE8.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtBerks 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
Berks 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Shoemakersville'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. | 2.18 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.180 mg/L (2001)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Shoemakersville compares by contaminant
Explore where Shoemakersville ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Shoemakersville's water comes from
Shoemakersville'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 2,295 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Shoemakersville
Shoemakersville is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Shoemakersville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHOEMAKERSVILLE BORO WATER SYS | PA3060100 | 2,150 | GW |
| PERRY TWP MUNI AUTH | PA3060123 | 145 | GW |
How Shoemakersville compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Shoemakersville's score of 79.6/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Shoemakersville, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Shoemakersville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Berks
Frequently asked questions
Is Shoemakersville, PA tap water safe to drink?
Shoemakersville's water quality earned a grade of B (79.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #92 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Shoemakersville's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 64 violations are on record.
How is Shoemakersville'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 Shoemakersville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Shoemakersville's water come from?
Shoemakersville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,295 residents.
What health violations has Shoemakersville's water system had?
Shoemakersville has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 5 violations remain unresolved.
Is Shoemakersville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Shoemakersville 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 64 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 Shoemakersville's water compare to other cities?
Shoemakersville ranks #92 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 84% of state cities) and #8197 out of 15744 cities nationally (48th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.