Is Tower City, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
57.8/100
waterverge.com Tower City, PA — Water Quality Report
Tower City's drinking water received a grade of C- (57.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,150 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 145 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tower City's water
Tower City ranks #279 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Tower City 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, Tower City may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 38 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tower City, PA water safe to drink?
Tower City's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (57.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,150 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tower City
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tower City's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (57.8/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Methoxychlor, Diquat, Endothall.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). 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 Tower City's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Tower City's water system has 145 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 3 remain unresolved. 38 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Schuylkill 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 Swatara Creek Near Inwood.
Where does Tower City's water come from?
Tower City's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,150 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Swatara Creek Near Inwood (river).
What Tower City residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tower City'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.
Tower City'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 Tower City
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tower City, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 33,259 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PAPETTI'S HYGRADE EGG PRODUCTS INC KLINGERSTOWN, PA17941 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 32,830 | 9.1 mi |
V&S LEBANON GALVANIZING LLC JONESTOWN, PA17038 | Zinc compounds | 414 | 9.9 mi |
DAYTON SUPERIOR CORP TREMONT, PA17981 | Nickel And Nickel Compounds | 15 | 9.0 mi |
TE CONNECTIVITY JONESTOWN, PA17038 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
PPC LUBRICANTS LLC JONESTOWN, PA17038 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtSchuylkill County is currently in D1 (moderate 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
Schuylkill 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Tower City'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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 2.400 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Tower City compares by contaminant
Explore where Tower City ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tower City's water comes from
Tower City'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 3,150 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Tower City
Tower City is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tower City
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWER CITY AUTHORITY | PA3540045 | 3,150 | GW |
How Tower City compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Tower City's score of 57.8/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Tower City, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tower City's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Schuylkill
Frequently asked questions
Is Tower City, PA tap water safe to drink?
Tower City's water quality earned a grade of C- (57.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #279 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Tower City's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 145 violations are on record.
How is Tower City'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 Tower City?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tower City's water come from?
Tower City's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,150 residents.
What health violations has Tower City's water system had?
Tower City has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tower City's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tower City 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 145 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 Tower City's water compare to other cities?
Tower City ranks #279 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 50% of state cities) and #12342 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Tower City's small water system affect quality?
Tower City's system serves approximately 3,150 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 145 violations on record.