Water Quality in New Bethlehem, PA: 10 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 47/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
New Bethlehem's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
On record with EPA: New Bethlehem, PA has 10 water violations.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in New Bethlehem
Water quality varies across New Bethlehem's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16242 | D | 47 | 10 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 47 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving New Bethlehem have accumulated 10 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 3,150 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. New Bethlehem's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for New Bethlehem is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 80% of homes built before 1986, New Bethlehem has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
New Bethlehem is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving New Bethlehem
New Bethlehem is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 3,150 people across 1 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 7 enforcement actions against water systems serving New Bethlehem. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in New Bethlehem
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in New Bethlehem Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across New Bethlehem's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 7 enforcement actions against water systems serving New Bethlehem. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-08-28 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-28 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-09-06 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-09-06 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-03-04 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-03-04 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-08-28.
New Bethlehem vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How New Bethlehem's water quality compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Bethlehem | D | 10 | 1 | 3,150 |
| Muir | D | 0 | 1 | 3,150 |
| New Providence | D | 0 | 1 | 3,150 |
| Renovo | D | 61 | 2 | 3,150 |
Common Questions About New Bethlehem Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in New Bethlehem, Pennsylvania:
Is New Bethlehem water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. New Bethlehem's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink New Bethlehem tap water? New Bethlehem's water receives a grade of D (47/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for New Bethlehem? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
New Bethlehem vs. Pennsylvania Average
Understanding how New Bethlehem compares to the broader Pennsylvania average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within New Bethlehem.
ZIP Codes in New Bethlehem
New Bethlehem spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 16242. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.