Is Sipesville, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
72.6/100
waterverge.com Sipesville, PA — Water Quality Report
Sipesville's drinking water received a grade of B- (72.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using purchased surface water.
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 212 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Sipesville's water
Sipesville ranks #166 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Sipesville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Sipesville, PA water safe to drink?
Sipesville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (72.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,400 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Sipesville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Sipesville's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (72.6/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: 1,2-DIBROMO-3-CHLOROPROPANE, Arsenic, Barium.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Sipesville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Sipesville's water system has 212 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 1 violation was issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Somerset 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 Linn Run At Linn Run State Park Near Rector.
Where does Sipesville's water come from?
Sipesville's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Linn Run At Linn Run State Park Near Rector (river).
What Sipesville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Sipesville'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.
Sipesville'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtSomerset 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
Somerset 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Sipesville compares by contaminant
Explore where Sipesville ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Sipesville's water comes from
Sipesville'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 1,400 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Sipesville
Sipesville is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Sipesville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LINCOLN TWP MUNI AUTH | PA4560031 | 1,400 | SWP |
How Sipesville compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Sipesville's score of 72.6/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Sipesville, PA
Wikipedia →Sipesville is an unincorporated community that is located in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is located on Pennsylvania Route 985, 6.3 miles (10.1 km) north of the Borough of Somerset.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Sipesville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Somerset
Frequently asked questions
Is Sipesville, PA tap water safe to drink?
Sipesville's water quality earned a grade of B- (72.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #166 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Sipesville's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 212 violations are on record.
How is Sipesville'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 Sipesville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Sipesville's water come from?
Sipesville's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,400 residents.
What health violations has Sipesville's water system had?
Sipesville has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
How does Sipesville's water compare to other cities?
Sipesville ranks #166 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 70% of state cities) and #10276 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Sipesville's small water system affect quality?
Sipesville's system serves approximately 1,400 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 212 violations on record.