Is Canton, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 5 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
70.8/100
waterverge.com Canton, PA — Water Quality Report
Canton's drinking water received a grade of B- (70.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,050 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 146 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Canton's water
Canton ranks #179 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Canton 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, Canton may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Canton, PA water safe to drink?
Canton's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (70.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,050 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Canton
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Canton's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (70.8/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: OXAMYL, Endothall, Glyphosate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4292). Flood 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 Canton's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Canton's water system has 146 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 25 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Bradford 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.
Where does Canton's water come from?
Canton's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,050 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Canton residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Canton'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.
Canton'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
Flood & disaster history
Bradford 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.
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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Canton compares by contaminant
Explore where Canton ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Canton's water comes from
Canton'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 2,050 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Canton
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CANTON BOROUGH AUTHORITY | PA2080003 | 2,050 | GW |
How Canton compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Canton's score of 70.8/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Canton, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Canton's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Bradford
Frequently asked questions
Is Canton, PA tap water safe to drink?
Canton's water quality earned a grade of B- (70.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #179 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Canton's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 146 violations are on record.
How is Canton'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 Canton?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Canton's water come from?
Canton's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,050 residents.
Is Canton's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Canton 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 146 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 Canton's water compare to other cities?
Canton ranks #179 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 68% of state cities) and #10678 out of 15744 cities nationally (32th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Canton's small water system affect quality?
Canton's system serves approximately 2,050 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 146 violations on record.