Is Elkland, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 25 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
51/100
waterverge.com Elkland, PA — Water Quality Report
Elkland's drinking water received a grade of D+ (51 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,660 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 562 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elkland's water
Elkland ranks #317 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Elkland 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, Elkland may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 22 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elkland, PA water safe to drink?
Elkland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (51/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,660 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Elkland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elkland's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (51/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4030). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Elkland's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elkland's water system has 562 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 22 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tioga 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. Local water sources include Crooked Cr Bl Catlin Hollow At Middlebury Center, Cowanesque River At Elkland, Tuscarora Creek Above South Addison.
Where does Elkland's water come from?
Elkland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,660 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Crooked Cr Bl Catlin Hollow At Middlebury Center (river), Cowanesque River At Elkland (river), Tuscarora Creek Above South Addison (river).
What Elkland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elkland'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.
Elkland'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
Tioga 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Elkland compares by contaminant
Explore where Elkland ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elkland's water comes from
Elkland'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 2,660 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Elkland
Elkland is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Elkland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ELKLAND BORO WATER AUTHORITY | PA2590035 | 2,660 | GW |
How Elkland compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Elkland's score of 51/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Elkland, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elkland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tioga
Frequently asked questions
Is Elkland, PA tap water safe to drink?
Elkland's water quality earned a grade of D+ (51/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #317 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Elkland's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 562 violations are on record.
How is Elkland'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 Elkland?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elkland's water come from?
Elkland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,660 residents.
What health violations has Elkland's water system had?
Elkland has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 25 violations remain unresolved.
Is Elkland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Elkland 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 562 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 Elkland's water compare to other cities?
Elkland ranks #317 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 43% of state cities) and #12927 out of 15744 cities nationally (18th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Elkland's small water system affect quality?
Elkland's system serves approximately 2,660 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 562 violations on record.