Is Eldred, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 4 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.1/100
waterverge.com Eldred, PA — Water Quality Report
Eldred's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 267 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved.
What to know about Eldred's water
Eldred ranks #164 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Eldred 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, Eldred may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Eldred, PA water safe to drink?
Eldred's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Eldred
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Eldred's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.1/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
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 Eldred's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Eldred's water system has 267 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 4 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
McKean County has experienced 6 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 Allegheny River At Port Allegany, Allegheny River At Eldred, Dodge Creek, Allegheny River.
Where does Eldred's water come from?
Eldred's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 850 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Allegheny River At Port Allegany (river), Allegheny River At Eldred (river), Dodge Creek (river), Allegheny River (river).
What Eldred residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Eldred'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.
Eldred'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 Eldred
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Eldred, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 81 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
INTERNATIONAL WAXES INC SMETHPORT, PA16749 | Ammonia | 81 | 7.4 mi |
ELANTAS PDG INC OLEAN, NY14760 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
COOPER POWER SYSTEMS LLC OLEAN, NY14760 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
CUTCO CUTLERY CORP OLEAN, NY14760 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
NEW ENTERPRISE STONE & LIME CO. INC. OLEAN, NY14760 | — | — | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Eldred
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.
- OLEAN WELL FIELD7.9 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
McKean County has experienced 6 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Eldred compares by contaminant
Explore where Eldred ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Eldred's water comes from
Eldred'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 850 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Eldred
Eldred is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Eldred
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELDRED BOROUGH WATER AUTH | PA6420016 | 850 | GW |
How Eldred compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Eldred's score of 73.1/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Eldred, PA
Wikipedia →Eldred is a borough in McKean County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 765 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Eldred's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mckean
Frequently asked questions
Is Eldred, PA tap water safe to drink?
Eldred's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #164 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Eldred's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 267 violations are on record.
How is Eldred'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 Eldred?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Eldred's water come from?
Eldred's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 850 residents.
What health violations has Eldred's water system had?
Eldred has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 4 violations remain unresolved.
Is Eldred's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Eldred 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 267 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 Eldred's water compare to other cities?
Eldred ranks #164 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 71% of state cities) and #10168 out of 15744 cities nationally (35th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Eldred's small water system affect quality?
Eldred's system serves approximately 850 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 267 violations on record.