Is Ligonier, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
44/100
waterverge.com Ligonier, PA — Water Quality Report
Ligonier's drinking water received a grade of F (44 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,682 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 1.3 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 382 violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 44 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ligonier's water
Ligonier ranks #397 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.
The system has seen 150 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ligonier, PA water safe to drink?
Ligonier's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 3,682 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Ligonier
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ligonier's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment 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 Ligonier'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
Ligonier's water system has 382 total violations on record, including 12 health-based violations. 44 remain unresolved. 150 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Westmoreland County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 Linn Run At Linn Run State Park Near Rector, Loyalhanna Creek At Kingston.
Where does Ligonier's water come from?
Ligonier's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 3,682 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Linn Run At Linn Run State Park Near Rector (river), Loyalhanna Creek At Kingston (river).
What Ligonier residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ligonier'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.
Ligonier'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 Ligonier
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Ligonier, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 280 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LATROBE SPECIALTY METALS LATROBE, PA15650 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 258 | 8.2 mi |
LEHIGH SPECIALTY MELTING INC LATROBE, PA15650 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 12 | 8.8 mi |
ATI FLAT ROLLED PRODUCTS LLC-LATROBE PLANT LATROBE, PA15650 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 10 | 9.3 mi |
CHESTNUT RIDGE FOAM INC LATROBE, PA15650 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
HYDRO CARBIDE TOOL CO LATROBE, PA15650 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Westmoreland County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1971. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Ligonier'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. | 1.3 | 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. | 1.41 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 1.410 mg/L (1992)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Ligonier compares by contaminant
Explore where Ligonier ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ligonier's water comes from
Ligonier'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 3,682 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Ligonier
Ligonier is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Ligonier
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIGONIER TWP MUNI AUTH | PA5650080 | 3,293 | SW |
| WATERFORD WATERWORKS | PA5650037 | 389 | GW |
How Ligonier compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Ligonier's score of 44/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Ligonier, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ligonier's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Westmoreland
Frequently asked questions
Is Ligonier, PA tap water safe to drink?
Ligonier's water quality earned a grade of F (44/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #397 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Ligonier's water?
Lead was measured at 1.3 ppb (90th percentile). 382 violations are on record.
How is Ligonier'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 Ligonier?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Ligonier's water come from?
Ligonier's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 3,682 residents.
What health violations has Ligonier's water system had?
Ligonier has 12 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 44 violations remain unresolved.
How does Ligonier's water compare to other cities?
Ligonier ranks #397 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 29% of state cities) and #14468 out of 15744 cities nationally (8th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.