Is Kittanning, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 15 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
58.8/100
waterverge.com Kittanning, PA — Water Quality Report
Kittanning's drinking water received a grade of C- (58.8 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,060 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 13.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 68 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved.
What to know about Kittanning's water
Kittanning ranks #271 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range 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.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Kittanning may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 17 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Kittanning, PA water safe to drink?
Kittanning's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (58.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,060 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Kittanning
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Kittanning's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (58.8/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
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 Kittanning's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Kittanning's water system has 68 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 15 remain unresolved. 17 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 Near Rimer, Allegheny River (Lower Pool) Near Rimer, Allegheny River At Lock & Dam 8 Nr Templeton, Allegheny R At L&D 8 (Lower Pool) Nr Templeton, Allegheny River At Kittanning.
Where does Kittanning's water come from?
Kittanning's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,060 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 Near Rimer (river), Allegheny River (Lower Pool) Near Rimer (river), Allegheny River At Lock & Dam 8 Nr Templeton (river), Allegheny R At L&D 8 (Lower Pool) Nr Templeton (river), Allegheny River At Kittanning (river).
What Kittanning residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Kittanning'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.
Kittanning'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 Kittanning
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Kittanning, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ARMSTRONG CEMENT & SUPPLY CORP CABOT, PA16023 | Mercury compounds | 0 | 9.8 mi |
SINTERMET LLC KITTANNING, PA16201 | — | — | 2.3 mi |
DYNAMIC MANUFACTURING INC. FREEPORT, PA16229 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
PULFLEX TECHNOLOGIES LLC FORD CITY, PA16226 | — | — | 3.7 mi |
TELEDYNE FLIR DEFENSE INC FREEPORT, PA16229 | — | — | 7.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Kittanning'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. | 13.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Kittanning compares by contaminant
Explore where Kittanning ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Kittanning's water comes from
Kittanning'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 3,060 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Kittanning
Kittanning 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 Kittanning
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEST KITTANNING MUNI AUTH | PA5030045 | 2,000 | SWP |
| KITTANNING PLUMCREEK WATR AUTH | PA5030013 | 600 | GWP |
| RAYBURN TWP JOINT MUNI AUTH | PA5030020 | 460 | GWP |
How Kittanning compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Kittanning's score of 58.8/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Kittanning, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Kittanning's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Armstrong
Frequently asked questions
Is Kittanning, PA tap water safe to drink?
Kittanning's water quality earned a grade of C- (58.8/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #271 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Kittanning's water?
Lead was measured at 13.0 ppb (90th percentile). 68 violations are on record.
How is Kittanning'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 Kittanning?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Kittanning's water come from?
Kittanning's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,060 residents.
How does Kittanning's water compare to other cities?
Kittanning ranks #271 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 52% of state cities) and #12252 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.