Is Freeport, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 29 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46.4/100
waterverge.com Freeport, PA — Water Quality Report
Freeport's drinking water received a grade of D (46.4 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,230 residents using purchased surface water.
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 88 violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved.
What to know about Freeport's water
Freeport ranks #369 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, Freeport may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 16 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Freeport, PA water safe to drink?
Freeport's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,230 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Freeport
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Freeport's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46.4/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
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 Freeport's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Freeport's water system has 88 total violations on record, including 37 health-based violations. 29 remain unresolved. 16 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 Allegheny River At Lock & Dam 6 At Clinton, Allegheny River Below Lock & Dam 6 At Clinton, Allegheny River At Lock & Dam 5 Near Freeport, Allegheny River Bl Lock & Dam 5 Near Freeport, Kiskiminetas River At Vandergrift.
Where does Freeport's water come from?
Freeport's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,230 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Allegheny River At Lock & Dam 6 At Clinton (river), Allegheny River Below Lock & Dam 6 At Clinton (river), Allegheny River At Lock & Dam 5 Near Freeport (river), Allegheny River Bl Lock & Dam 5 Near Freeport (river), Kiskiminetas River At Vandergrift (river).
What Freeport residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Freeport'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.
Freeport'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 Freeport
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Freeport, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 326,494 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ATI FLAT ROLLED PRODUCTS HOLDINGS LLC VANDERGRIFT, PA15690 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 325,193 | 8.3 mi |
BRAEBURN ALLOY STEEL LLC LOWER BURRELL, PA15068 | Nickel | 1,182 | 5.3 mi |
ATI FLAT ROLLED PRODUCTS HOLDINGS LLC BRACKENRIDGE, PA15014 | Nickel And Nickel Compounds | 119 | 6.4 mi |
ARMSTRONG CEMENT & SUPPLY CORP CABOT, PA16023 | Mercury compounds | 0 | 7.6 mi |
KEYSTONE RUSTPROOFING INC. NEW KENSINGTON, PA15068 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Freeport
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.
- LINDANE DUMP4.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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.
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 Freeport compares by contaminant
Explore where Freeport ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Freeport's water comes from
Freeport'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 1,230 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Freeport
Freeport 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 Freeport
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOUTH BUFFALO TWP MUNI AUTH | PA5030049 | 1,230 | SWP |
How Freeport compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Freeport's score of 46.4/100 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 Freeport, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Freeport's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Armstrong
Frequently asked questions
Is Freeport, PA tap water safe to drink?
Freeport's water quality earned a grade of D (46.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #369 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Freeport's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 88 violations are on record.
How is Freeport'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 Freeport?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Freeport's water come from?
Freeport's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,230 residents.
What health violations has Freeport's water system had?
Freeport has 37 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 29 violations remain unresolved.
How does Freeport's water compare to other cities?
Freeport ranks #369 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 34% of state cities) and #13877 out of 15744 cities nationally (12th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Freeport's small water system affect quality?
Freeport's system serves approximately 1,230 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 88 violations on record.