Is Windsor, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 2 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
84.2/100
Windsor, PA — Water Quality Report
Windsor's drinking water received a grade of B+ (84.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,332 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 12.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 23 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
What to know about Windsor's water
Windsor ranks #56 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it one of the best 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Windsor may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Windsor, PA water safe to drink?
Windsor's tap water meets most EPA standards but has areas that warrant attention. With a grade of B+ (84.2/100), some contaminant levels or compliance issues suggest that residents may benefit from additional filtration. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,332 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Windsor
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Windsor's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (84.2/100).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Windsor's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Windsor's water system has 23 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 2 remain unresolved.
Flood & environmental risk
York County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Codorus Creek Near Saginaw, Chiques Creek Near Marietta, Susquehanna River At Marietta, Susquehanna River At Columbia, Kreutz Creek At Strickler.
Where does Windsor's water come from?
Windsor's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,332 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Codorus Creek Near Saginaw (river), Chiques Creek Near Marietta (river), Susquehanna River At Marietta (river), Susquehanna River At Columbia (river), Kreutz Creek At Strickler (river).
What Windsor residents can do
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.
Windsor'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 Windsor
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Windsor, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 980 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DONSCO INC WRIGHTSVILLE, PA17368 | Manganese | 894 | 8.2 mi |
ASC ENGINEERED SOLUTIONS - FKA ANVIL INTERNATIONAL COLUMBIA, PA17512 | Zinc compounds | 46 | 9.7 mi |
THE FEDERAL METAL CO COLUMBIA, PA17512 | Zinc compounds | 20 | 9.2 mi |
IWM - WIRE FACILITY YORK, PA17402 | Copper compounds | 10 | 8.5 mi |
TATE ACCESS FLOORS INC. RED LION, PA17356 | Manganese | 9 | 1.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Windsor
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- MODERN SANITATION LANDFILL3.1 mi
- EAST MOUNT ZION7.6 mi
- UGI COLUMBIA GAS PLANT8.8 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtYork County is currently in D2 (severe 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
York County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Windsor'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. | 12.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 12.0 ppb (1996)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Windsor compares by contaminant
Explore where Windsor ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Windsor's water comes from
Windsor'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 1,332 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Windsor
Windsor is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Windsor
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WINDSOR BORO WATER AUTH | PA7670065 | 1,332 | SWP |
How Windsor compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Windsor's score of 84.2/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Windsor, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Windsor's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across York
Frequently asked questions
Is Windsor, PA tap water safe to drink?
Windsor's water quality earned a grade of B+ (84.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #56 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Windsor's water?
Lead was measured at 12.0 ppb (90th percentile). 23 violations are on record.
How is Windsor'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 Windsor?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Windsor's water come from?
Windsor's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,332 residents.
How does Windsor's water compare to other cities?
Windsor ranks #56 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 90% of state cities) and #6055 out of 15744 cities nationally (62th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Windsor's small water system affect quality?
Windsor's system serves approximately 1,332 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 23 violations on record.