Is Sigel, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 7 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.3/100
waterverge.com Sigel, PA — Water Quality Report
Sigel's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 700 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.2 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 45 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sigel's water
Sigel ranks #44 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Sigel 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, Sigel may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sigel, PA water safe to drink?
Sigel's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 700 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Sigel
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sigel's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.3/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Sigel'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
Sigel's water system has 45 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 7 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Jefferson County has experienced 8 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 Clarion River At Cooksburg, Redbank Creek At Brookville.
Where does Sigel's water come from?
Sigel's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 700 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Clarion River At Cooksburg (river), Redbank Creek At Brookville (river).
What Sigel residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sigel'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.
Sigel'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
Jefferson County has experienced 8 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 Sigel'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. | 5.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sigel compares by contaminant
Explore where Sigel ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sigel's water comes from
Sigel'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 700 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sigel
Sigel is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Sigel
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELDRED TWP MUNIC AUTH | PA6330840 | 700 | GW |
How Sigel compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Sigel's score of 85.3/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Sigel, PA
Wikipedia →Sigel is an unincorporated community in Eldred Township, Jefferson County, Pennsylvania, United States. The community is located at the intersection of Pennsylvania Route 36 and Pennsylvania Route 949, 8 miles (13 km) north of Brookville. Sigel has a post office with ZIP code 15860, which opened on May 26, 1862.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sigel's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Sigel, PA tap water safe to drink?
Sigel's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #44 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Sigel's water?
Lead was measured at 5.2 ppb (90th percentile). 45 violations are on record.
How is Sigel'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 Sigel?
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 Sigel's water come from?
Sigel's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 700 residents.
What health violations has Sigel's water system had?
Sigel has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Sigel's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Sigel 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 45 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 Sigel's water compare to other cities?
Sigel ranks #44 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 92% of state cities) and #5411 out of 15744 cities nationally (66th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sigel's small water system affect quality?
Sigel's system serves approximately 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 45 violations on record.