Is Distant, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 22 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
69.2/100
waterverge.com Distant, PA — Water Quality Report
Distant's drinking water received a grade of C+ (69.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 900 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 8.3 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 78 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Distant's water
Distant ranks #197 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range 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, Distant may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
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 Distant, PA water safe to drink?
Distant's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (69.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 900 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Distant
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Distant's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (69.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3235). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Distant'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
Distant's water system has 78 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 9 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Armstrong 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 Redbank Creek At St. Charles, Mahoning Creek Reservoir At Mahoning Creek Dam, Mahoning Creek At Mahoning Creek Dam, Allegheny River At Lock & Dam 8 Nr Templeton, Allegheny R At L&D 8 (Lower Pool) Nr Templeton.
Where does Distant's water come from?
Distant's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 900 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Redbank Creek At St. Charles (river), Mahoning Creek Reservoir At Mahoning Creek Dam (lake), Mahoning Creek At Mahoning Creek Dam (river), Allegheny River At Lock & Dam 8 Nr Templeton (river), Allegheny R At L&D 8 (Lower Pool) Nr Templeton (river).
What Distant residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Distant'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.
Distant'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
Armstrong 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Distant'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. | 8.3 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Distant compares by contaminant
Explore where Distant ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Distant's water comes from
Distant'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 900 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Distant
Distant 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 Distant
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAHONING TWP MUNI AUTH | PA5030024 | 900 | SWP |
How Distant compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Distant's score of 69.2/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Distant, PA
Wikipedia →Distant is an unincorporated community in Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, United States. The community is located on state routes 28 and 66, 2.6 miles (4.2 km) south-southwest of New Bethlehem. Distant has a post office with ZIP code 16224.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Distant's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Armstrong
Frequently asked questions
Is Distant, PA tap water safe to drink?
Distant's water quality earned a grade of C+ (69.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #197 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Distant's water?
Lead was measured at 8.3 ppb (90th percentile). 78 violations are on record.
How is Distant'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 Distant?
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 Distant's water come from?
Distant's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 900 residents.
What health violations has Distant's water system had?
Distant has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.
How does Distant's water compare to other cities?
Distant ranks #197 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 65% of state cities) and #10969 out of 15744 cities nationally (30th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Distant's small water system affect quality?
Distant's system serves approximately 900 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 78 violations on record.