Is Wampum, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
70.2/100
waterverge.com Wampum, PA — Water Quality Report
Wampum's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 832 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 17.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 73 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Wampum's water
Wampum ranks #187 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Wampum 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Wampum may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Wampum, PA water safe to drink?
Wampum's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 832 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Wampum
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Wampum's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.2/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Wampum's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Wampum's water system has 73 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lawrence County has experienced 5 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 Shenango River Near West New Castle, Beaver River At Wampum, Connoquenessing Creek Near Zelienople, Slippery Rock Creek At Wurtemburg, Beaver River At Beaver Falls.
Where does Wampum's water come from?
Wampum's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 832 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Shenango River Near West New Castle (river), Beaver River At Wampum (river), Connoquenessing Creek Near Zelienople (river), Slippery Rock Creek At Wurtemburg (river), Beaver River At Beaver Falls (river).
What Wampum residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Wampum'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.
Wampum'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 Wampum
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Wampum, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 65 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BEAVER FALLS TUBULAR PRODUCTS LLC BEAVER FALLS, PA15010 | Zinc compounds | 49 | 7.2 mi |
ELLWOOD QUALITY STEELS CO NEW CASTLE, PA16101 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 8 | 7.5 mi |
TENARIS KOPPEL KOPPEL, PA16136 | Zinc compounds | 5 | 3.6 mi |
SWAGELOK PROCESSING CO KOPPEL, PA16136 | Chromium | 3 | 3.4 mi |
FERGUSON PERFORATING CO INC NEW CASTLE, PA16101 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Lawrence County has experienced 5 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 Wampum'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. | 17.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 17.0 ppb (2007)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Wampum compares by contaminant
Explore where Wampum ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Wampum's water comes from
Wampum'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 832 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Wampum
Wampum is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Wampum
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOROUGH OF WAMPUM WATER DEPT | PA6370032 | 832 | GW |
How Wampum compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Wampum's score of 70.2/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Wampum, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Wampum's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lawrence
Frequently asked questions
Is Wampum, PA tap water safe to drink?
Wampum's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #187 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Wampum's water?
Lead was measured at 17.0 ppb (90th percentile). 73 violations are on record.
How is Wampum'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 Wampum?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Wampum's water come from?
Wampum's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 832 residents.
What health violations has Wampum's water system had?
Wampum has 4 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. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Wampum's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Wampum 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 73 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 Wampum's water compare to other cities?
Wampum ranks #187 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 67% of state cities) and #10795 out of 15744 cities nationally (31th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Wampum's small water system affect quality?
Wampum's system serves approximately 832 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 73 violations on record.