Is Halifax, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
59/100
waterverge.com Halifax, PA — Water Quality Report
Halifax's drinking water received a grade of C- (59 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,353 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.5 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 331 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Halifax's water
Halifax ranks #270 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Halifax 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, Halifax may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 12 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Halifax, PA water safe to drink?
Halifax's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (59/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,353 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Halifax
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Halifax's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (59/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4099). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Halifax's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Halifax's water system has 331 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 12 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Dauphin County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1976. 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 East Mahantango Creek Near Dalmatia.
Where does Halifax's water come from?
Halifax's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,353 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include East Mahantango Creek Near Dalmatia (river).
What Halifax residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Halifax'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.
Halifax'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 Halifax
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Halifax, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MOUNTAIN RIDGE METALS LLC. MILLERSBURG, PA17061 | — | — | 5.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtDauphin County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Dauphin County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1976. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Halifax'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. | 0.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 2.20 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Halifax compares by contaminant
Explore where Halifax ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Halifax's water comes from
Halifax'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 2,353 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Halifax
Halifax is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Halifax
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HALIFAX AREA WATER & SEWER AUT | PA7220040 | 2,278 | GW |
| CAMP HEBRON CWS | PA7220020 | 75 | GW |
How Halifax compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Halifax's score of 59/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Halifax, PA
Wikipedia →Halifax is a borough in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, United States. Halifax was incorporated as a borough on May 29, 1785. It is situated at the confluence of Armstrong Creek and the Susquehanna River. The population was 795 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Harrisburg metropolitan area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Halifax's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Dauphin
Frequently asked questions
Is Halifax, PA tap water safe to drink?
Halifax's water quality earned a grade of C- (59/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #270 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Halifax's water?
Lead was measured at 0.5 ppb (90th percentile). 331 violations are on record.
How is Halifax'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 Halifax?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Halifax's water come from?
Halifax's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,353 residents.
What health violations has Halifax's water system had?
Halifax has 5 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. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Halifax's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Halifax 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 331 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 Halifax's water compare to other cities?
Halifax ranks #270 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 52% of state cities) and #12232 out of 15744 cities nationally (22th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.