Is Williamstown, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
56.6/100
waterverge.com Williamstown, PA — Water Quality Report
Williamstown's drinking water received a grade of C- (56.6 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,390 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 32.0 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 123 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Williamstown's water
Williamstown ranks #284 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
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, Williamstown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Williamstown, PA water safe to drink?
Williamstown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (56.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,390 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Williamstown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Williamstown's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (56.6/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4099). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Williamstown's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Williamstown's water system has 123 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dauphin County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 Williamstown's water come from?
Williamstown's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,390 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Swatara Creek Near Inwood (river).
What Williamstown residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Williamstown'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.
Williamstown'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 Williamstown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Williamstown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 32,830 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 | 6.9 mi |
MI WINDOWS & DOORS LLC HEGINS, PA17938 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
WENGER FEEDS LLC-SPRING GLEN (F/K/A WENGER FEED MILL INC) SPRING GLEN, PA17978 | — | — | 3.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtDauphin 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
Dauphin County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1976. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Williamstown'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. | 32.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Williamstown compares by contaminant
Explore where Williamstown ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Williamstown's water comes from
Williamstown's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 2,390 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Williamstown
Williamstown is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Williamstown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WILLIAMSTOWN BORO AUTH | PA7220037 | 2,390 | SW |
How Williamstown compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Williamstown's score of 56.6/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Williamstown, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Williamstown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dauphin
Frequently asked questions
Is Williamstown, PA tap water safe to drink?
Williamstown's water quality earned a grade of C- (56.6/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #284 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Williamstown's water?
Lead was measured at 32.0 ppb (90th percentile). 123 violations are on record.
How is Williamstown'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 Williamstown?
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 Williamstown's water come from?
Williamstown's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,390 residents.
How does Williamstown's water compare to other cities?
Williamstown ranks #284 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 49% of state cities) and #12441 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Williamstown's small water system affect quality?
Williamstown's system serves approximately 2,390 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 123 violations on record.