WaterVerge

Is Stoneboro, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded B, with 12 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓

956 residents served 1 water system PWSID: PA6430056
Overall Score
78.7 / 100
Violations
12 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Groundwater
#103 of 560 in Pennsylvania Top 55% nationally
Local Government
Moderate data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
BGRADE
Water Quality Grade
78.7/100
waterverge.com
B 78.7/100

Stoneboro, PA — Water Quality Report

Stoneboro's drinking water received a grade of B (78.7 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 956 residents using groundwater.

Lead levels were measured at 4.5 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 98 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 12 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Stoneboro's water

Stoneboro ranks #103 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.

Stoneboro 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, Stoneboro may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.

The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
78.7 out of 100 Grade B
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
31.7/45
C
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
17/20
B
Lead at 4.5 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
17/20
B
PFAS + legacy contaminant analysis.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
5/5
A
Water source: Groundwater.
Water Safety

Is Stoneboro, PA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Stoneboro's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 956 residents using groundwater (wells).

12
Active Violations
4.5 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
6 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Stoneboro

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Stoneboro's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.7/100).

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Chlorine, Groundwater Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Public Notice, Consumer Confidence Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
HURRICANE KATRINA

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 Stoneboro's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 4.5 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Violation history

Stoneboro's water system has 98 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 12 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherRPTMCL
Most recent violations:
Nov 2023 Chlorine Resolved
Nov 2023 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Oct 2023 Public Notice Open
Oct 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open
Jul 2023 Consumer Confidence Rule Open

Flood & environmental risk

Mercer County has experienced 6 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 French Creek At Utica.

HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3356
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3235
TROPICAL DEPRESSION IVAN
Hurricane FEMA DR-1557

Where does Stoneboro's water come from?

Stoneboro's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 956 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include French Creek At Utica (river).

What Stoneboro residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Stoneboro's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Flush your taps

Run cold water for 30 seconds before drinking, especially in the morning. Lead and copper leach from household plumbing when water sits in pipes.

Monitor alerts during storms

Stoneboro'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
4.5 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 30% of limit
Safe Level
Compliance Record

Violation summary

98
Total violations
1
Health-based
12
Active / unresolved
Nov 2023
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

98 Total
12 Active
1 Health-based
86 Resolved
Violations by category
Volatile Organic Chemicals
31
Inorganic Chemicals
17
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
14
Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule
11
Consumer Confidence Rule
5
Oct 2023 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2023 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Dec 2022 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Sep 2016 Active
Revised Total Coliform Rule
Reporting
Reporting 0
Jul 2009 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jun 2009 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Dec 2008 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2008 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Oct 2004 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Active
Compliance Violation
Monitoring 0
Nov 2023 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2023
Nov 2023 Resolved
Groundwater Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Nov 2023
Sep 2022 Resolved
Groundwater Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2022
Sep 2022 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Sep 2022
Jan 2014 Resolved
2,3,7,8-TCDD
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2014
Jan 2014 Resolved
Total Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB)
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Mar 2014
Oct 2013 Resolved
Nitrite
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2013
Oct 2012 Resolved
Chlorine
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting Resolved Dec 2012
Showing 20 of 98 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Stoneboro

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Stoneboro, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
OLDCASTLE APG - FREDONIA
Nonmetallic Mineral Product · CRH AMERICAS INC
FREDONIA, PA16124
7.3 mi
COMPONENT INTERTECHNOLOGIES INC
Computers and Electronic Products · NA
HADLEY, PA16130
6.5 mi
RUSSELL STANDARD MERCER
Petroleum · RUSSELL STANDARD CORP
MERCER, PA16137
6.5 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

6
Declared disasters
Oct 2012
Most recent
Hurricane
Most common type

Mercer County has experienced 6 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3356
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3235
Sep 2004
TROPICAL DEPRESSION IVAN
Hurricane FEMA #1557
Jan 1996
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1093
Jun 1981
SEVERE STORMS & FLOODING
Flood FEMA #641
Jun 1972
TROPICAL STORM AGNES
Flood FEMA #340

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 4.5 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 4.5 ppb from 1993 (9.0 ppb) to 1996 (4.5 ppb).
Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Groundwater
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
956
Water Systems
1
Water Source

Where Stoneboro's water comes from

Groundwater

Stoneboro'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 956 people through 1 water system.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Stoneboro

Stoneboro is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.

French Creek At Utica
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Stoneboro

System Name PWSID Population Source
STONEBORO WATER WORKS PA6430056 956 GW
Regional Comparison

How Stoneboro compares

Full Pennsylvania rankings →

Stoneboro's score of 78.7/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.

Stoneboro (this city)
78.7
Bryn Mawr
34.2
Mcmurray
86.8
Greensburg
46.7
Pennsylvania avg
49
City Profile

About Stoneboro, PA

Economic Profile
$55,039
Median Income
$108,666
Median Home Value
$881/mo
Median Rent
2.6%
Unemployment
Community
38.9
Median Age
105
People / sq mi
13.9%
College Educated
73.5%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Stoneboro, PA tap water safe to drink?

Stoneboro's water quality earned a grade of B (78.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #103 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.

What contaminants are in Stoneboro's water?

Lead was measured at 4.5 ppb (90th percentile). 98 violations are on record.

How is Stoneboro'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 Stoneboro?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Stoneboro's water come from?

Stoneboro's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 956 residents.

What health violations has Stoneboro's water system had?

Stoneboro has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.

Is Stoneboro's groundwater at risk of contamination?

Stoneboro 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 98 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 Stoneboro's water compare to other cities?

Stoneboro ranks #103 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 82% of state cities) and #8576 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.

Does Stoneboro's small water system affect quality?

Stoneboro's system serves approximately 956 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 98 violations on record.