Is Elmora, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 22 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Elmora, PA — Water Quality Report
Elmora's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,158 residents using surface water.
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 405 violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved.
What to know about Elmora's water
Elmora ranks #374 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average 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.
As a small community water system, Elmora may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 65 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Elmora, PA water safe to drink?
Elmora's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,158 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Elmora
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Elmora's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Elmora's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Elmora's water system has 405 total violations on record, including 14 health-based violations. 22 remain unresolved. 65 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.
Where does Elmora's water come from?
Elmora's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,158 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment.
What Elmora residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Elmora'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.
Elmora'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 Elmora
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Elmora, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
COLVER GREEN ENERGY COLVER, PA15927 | — | — | 4.3 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Elmora compares by contaminant
Explore where Elmora ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Elmora's water comes from
Elmora'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 1,158 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Elmora
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST CARROLL W AUTH BAKERTON | PA4110058 | 670 | SW |
| W CARROLL TWP W AUTH ST BENED | PA4110061 | 488 | SW |
How Elmora compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Elmora's score of 46/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Elmora, PA
Wikipedia →Bakerton is an unincorporated community in the township of West Carroll, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States. The community is 4.4 miles (7.1 km) south-southeast of Northern Cambria. Bakerton, is the official town name, but it has an address of Elmora with ZIP code 15737.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Elmora's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cambria
Frequently asked questions
Is Elmora, PA tap water safe to drink?
Elmora's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #374 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Elmora's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 405 violations are on record.
How is Elmora'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 Elmora?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Elmora's water come from?
Elmora's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,158 residents.
What health violations has Elmora's water system had?
Elmora has 14 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 22 violations remain unresolved.
How does Elmora's water compare to other cities?
Elmora ranks #374 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 33% of state cities) and #14054 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.