Is Gallitzin, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
39.2/100
waterverge.com Gallitzin, PA — Water Quality Report
Gallitzin's drinking water received a grade of F (39.2 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,130 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 21.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 103 violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gallitzin's water
Gallitzin ranks #460 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Gallitzin may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 38 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gallitzin, PA water safe to drink?
Gallitzin's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (39.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,130 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Gallitzin
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gallitzin's water quality assessment. Grade: F (39.2/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: TTHM.
Contaminants: CARBON, TOTAL.
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 Gallitzin's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Gallitzin's water system has 103 total violations on record, including 7 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 38 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. Local water sources include Trout Run At Portage.
Where does Gallitzin's water come from?
Gallitzin's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,130 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Trout Run At Portage (river).
What Gallitzin residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gallitzin'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.
Gallitzin'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 Gallitzin
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Gallitzin, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 50 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ST PRODUCTS LLC (DBA WIELAND SMALL TUBE PRODUCTS) DUNCANSVILLE, PA16635 | Copper | 46 | 7.6 mi |
ALPHA ASSEMBLY SOLUTIONS ALTOONA, PA16602 | Lead compounds | 4 | 7.3 mi |
AMERWAY INC ALTOONA, PA16601 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
SYNTHEX ORGANICS LLC ALTOONA, PA16601 | — | — | 7.0 mi |
VEEDER-ROOT CO DUNCANSVILLE, PA16635 | — | — | 6.8 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Gallitzin'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. | 21.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 21.0 ppb (1993)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
See how Gallitzin compares by contaminant
Explore where Gallitzin ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gallitzin's water comes from
Gallitzin'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 3,130 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gallitzin
Gallitzin is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Gallitzin
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GALLITZIN BORO WATER AUTH | PA4110011 | 3,130 | SW |
How Gallitzin compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Gallitzin's score of 39.2/100 is below the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Gallitzin, PA
Wikipedia →Gallitzin is a borough in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, United States. As of the 2020 census, Gallitzin had a population of 1,536. It is bordered by Gallitzin Township and Tunnelhill, all of which sit astride the Eastern continental divide. Tunnel Hill and Gallitzin both are pierced by railroad tunnels shortening the necessary ascent for rails crossing the Allegheny Front onto the Allegheny Plateau which encompasses the towns' terrains. Topping the gaps of the Allegheny, the area is one of only five major breaks in the Appalachians allowing east–west transportation corridors before the advent of 20th century technologies.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gallitzin's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cambria
Frequently asked questions
Is Gallitzin, PA tap water safe to drink?
Gallitzin's water quality earned a grade of F (39.2/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #460 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Gallitzin's water?
Lead was measured at 21.0 ppb (90th percentile). 103 violations are on record.
How is Gallitzin'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 Gallitzin?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Gallitzin's water come from?
Gallitzin's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,130 residents.
What health violations has Gallitzin's water system had?
Gallitzin has 7 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
How does Gallitzin's water compare to other cities?
Gallitzin ranks #460 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 18% of state cities) and #15269 out of 15744 cities nationally (3th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gallitzin's small water system affect quality?
Gallitzin's system serves approximately 3,130 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 103 violations on record.