Is Cresson, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 19 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
63.6/100
waterverge.com Cresson, PA — Water Quality Report
Cresson's drinking water received a grade of C (63.6 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 6,460 residents using purchased ground water.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 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 255 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cresson's water
Cresson ranks #236 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Cresson purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
The system has seen 9 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cresson, PA water safe to drink?
Cresson's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (63.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 6,460 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cresson
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cresson's water quality assessment. Grade: C (63.6/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3340). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cresson's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Cresson's water system has 255 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 19 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cambria County has experienced 8 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 Trout Run At Portage, Little Conemaugh River At Wilmore.
Where does Cresson's water come from?
Cresson's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 6,460 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Trout Run At Portage (river), Little Conemaugh River At Wilmore (river).
What Cresson residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cresson'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.
Cresson'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 Cresson
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cresson, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 50 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ST PRODUCTS LLC (DBA WIELAND SMALL TUBE PRODUCTS) DUNCANSVILLE, PA16635 | Copper | 46 | 8.8 mi |
ALPHA ASSEMBLY SOLUTIONS ALTOONA, PA16602 | Lead compounds | 4 | 9.1 mi |
EBENSBURG POWER CO EBENSBURG, PA15931 | — | — | 8.7 mi |
AMERWAY INC ALTOONA, PA16601 | — | — | 9.0 mi |
SYNTHEX ORGANICS LLC ALTOONA, PA16601 | — | — | 8.8 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Cambria County has experienced 8 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. | 0.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cresson compares by contaminant
Explore where Cresson ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cresson's water comes from
Cresson purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Cresson's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 6,460 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Cresson
Cresson is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cresson
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRESSON TWP MUNI AUTH | PA4110038 | 2,500 | GWP |
| CRESSON BORO WATER SYS | PA4110030 | 1,700 | GWP |
| FEDERAL CORR INSTITUTE LORETTO | PA4110067 | 1,500 | GW |
| SANKERTOWN BORO WATER SYS | PA4110007 | 760 | GWP |
How Cresson compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Cresson's score of 63.6/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Cresson, PA
Wikipedia →Cresson is a borough in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States. Cresson is 80 miles (130 km) east of Pittsburgh. It is above 2,000 feet (600 m) in elevation. Lumber, coal, and coke yards were industries that had supported the population. The borough is part of the Johnstown Metropolitan Statistical Area, although state and local sources list it as part of the Altoona area due to being much closer to that city. As of the 2020 census, Cresson had a population of 1,525.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cresson's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cambria
Frequently asked questions
Is Cresson, PA tap water safe to drink?
Cresson's water quality earned a grade of C (63.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #236 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Cresson's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 255 violations are on record.
How is Cresson'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 Cresson?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cresson's water come from?
Cresson's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 6,460 residents.
What health violations has Cresson's water system had?
Cresson has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 19 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cresson's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cresson 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 255 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 Cresson's water compare to other cities?
Cresson ranks #236 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 58% of state cities) and #11734 out of 15744 cities nationally (26th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.