Is Snow Shoe, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 16 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
76.6/100
waterverge.com Snow Shoe, PA — Water Quality Report
Snow Shoe's drinking water received a grade of B (76.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,456 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 63 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved.
What to know about Snow Shoe's water
Snow Shoe ranks #130 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Snow Shoe 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.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Snow Shoe, PA water safe to drink?
Snow Shoe's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,456 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Snow Shoe
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Snow Shoe's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.6/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Radium-226, Radium-228.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Combined Uranium.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4292). Flood 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 Snow Shoe's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Snow Shoe's water system has 63 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 16 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Centre 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.
Where does Snow Shoe's water come from?
Snow Shoe's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,456 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Snow Shoe residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Snow Shoe'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.
Snow Shoe'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
Centre 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.
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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Snow Shoe compares by contaminant
Explore where Snow Shoe ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Snow Shoe's water comes from
Snow Shoe'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 3,456 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Snow Shoe
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOUNTAINTOP REG WATER AUTH | PA4140090 | 3,456 | GW |
How Snow Shoe compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Snow Shoe's score of 76.6/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Snow Shoe, PA
Wikipedia →Snow Shoe is a borough in Centre County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of the State College, Pennsylvania Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, Snow Shoe had a population of 670.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Snow Shoe's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Centre
Frequently asked questions
Is Snow Shoe, PA tap water safe to drink?
Snow Shoe's water quality earned a grade of B (76.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #130 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Snow Shoe's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 63 violations are on record.
How is Snow Shoe'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 Snow Shoe?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Snow Shoe's water come from?
Snow Shoe's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,456 residents.
What health violations has Snow Shoe's water system had?
Snow Shoe has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 16 violations remain unresolved.
Is Snow Shoe's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Snow Shoe 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 63 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 Snow Shoe's water compare to other cities?
Snow Shoe ranks #130 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 77% of state cities) and #9245 out of 15744 cities nationally (41th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.