Is Summerville, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 37 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
44/100
waterverge.com Summerville, PA — Water Quality Report
Summerville's drinking water received a grade of F (44 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 700 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.3 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 140 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 37 remain unresolved.
What to know about Summerville's water
Summerville ranks #401 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Summerville 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, Summerville may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 94 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Summerville, PA water safe to drink?
Summerville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44/100), 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 Summerville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Summerville's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Summerville's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Summerville's water system has 140 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 37 remain unresolved. 94 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 Redbank Creek At Brookville.
Where does Summerville's water come from?
Summerville'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 Redbank Creek At Brookville (river).
What Summerville residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Summerville'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.
Summerville'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 Summerville
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Summerville, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 16 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MILLER WELDING & MACHINE CO BROOKVILLE, PA15825 | Manganese | 14 | 6.1 mi |
MILLER WELDING & MACHINE CO BROOKVILLE, PA15825 | Manganese | 2 | 6.1 mi |
BEVERAGE AIR BROOKVILLE, PA15825 | — | — | 5.7 mi |
GLEN-GERY CORP SUMMERVILLE, PA15864 | — | — | 0.2 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
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. | 3.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Summerville compares by contaminant
Explore where Summerville ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Summerville's water comes from
Summerville'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 Summerville
Summerville is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Summerville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUMMERVILLE BORO MUN AUTH | PA6330012 | 700 | GW |
How Summerville compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Summerville's score of 44/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Summerville, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Summerville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Jefferson
Frequently asked questions
Is Summerville, PA tap water safe to drink?
Summerville's water quality earned a grade of F (44/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #401 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Summerville's water?
Lead was measured at 3.3 ppb (90th percentile). 140 violations are on record.
How is Summerville'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 Summerville?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Summerville's water come from?
Summerville's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 700 residents.
Is Summerville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Summerville 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 140 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 Summerville's water compare to other cities?
Summerville ranks #401 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 28% of state cities) and #14493 out of 15744 cities nationally (8th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Summerville's small water system affect quality?
Summerville'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 140 violations on record.