Is Gifford, 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 ↓
43.4/100
waterverge.com Gifford, PA — Water Quality Report
Gifford's drinking water received a grade of F (43.4 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 15.2 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 214 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved.
What to know about Gifford's water
Gifford ranks #408 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Gifford 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.
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, Gifford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 32 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Gifford, PA water safe to drink?
Gifford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43.4/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Gifford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Gifford's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43.4/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Gifford's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Gifford's water system has 214 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 12 remain unresolved. 32 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 Tunungwant Creek Near South Bradford, Kinzua Creek Near Guffey.
Where does Gifford's water come from?
Gifford'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 Tunungwant Creek Near South Bradford (river), Kinzua Creek Near Guffey (river).
What Gifford residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Gifford'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.
Gifford'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
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Gifford'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. | 15.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Gifford compares by contaminant
Explore where Gifford ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Gifford's water comes from
Gifford'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 private ownership and serves approximately 850 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Gifford
Gifford is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Gifford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIKEN WATER COMPANY | PA6420010 | 850 | GW |
How Gifford compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Gifford's score of 43.4/100 is below the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Gifford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Mckean
Frequently asked questions
Is Gifford, PA tap water safe to drink?
Gifford's water quality earned a grade of F (43.4/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #408 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Gifford's water?
Lead was measured at 15.2 ppb (90th percentile). 214 violations are on record.
How is Gifford'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 Gifford?
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 Gifford's water come from?
Gifford's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 850 residents.
What health violations has Gifford's water system had?
Gifford has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 12 violations remain unresolved.
Is Gifford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Gifford 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 214 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 Gifford's water compare to other cities?
Gifford ranks #408 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 27% of state cities) and #14586 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Gifford's small water system affect quality?
Gifford'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 214 violations on record.