Is Lilly, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 13 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
61.9/100
waterverge.com Lilly, PA — Water Quality Report
Lilly's drinking water received a grade of C (61.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,388 residents using purchased surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 217 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 13 remain unresolved.
What to know about Lilly's water
Lilly ranks #251 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.
As a small community water system, Lilly may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 23 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Lilly, PA water safe to drink?
Lilly's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (61.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,388 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Lilly
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Lilly's water quality assessment. Grade: C (61.9/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Lilly's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Lilly's water system has 217 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 13 remain unresolved. 23 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, Little Conemaugh River At Wilmore.
Where does Lilly's water come from?
Lilly's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,388 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), Little Conemaugh River At Wilmore (river).
What Lilly residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Lilly'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.
Lilly'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 Lilly
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Lilly, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
EBENSBURG POWER CO EBENSBURG, PA15931 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
J-LOK CO CRESSON, PA16630 | — | — | 4.2 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.
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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Lilly compares by contaminant
Explore where Lilly ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Lilly's water comes from
Lilly'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 1,388 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Lilly
Lilly 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 Lilly
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| LILLY BOROUGH WATER AUTHORITY | PA4110046 | 1,388 | SWP |
How Lilly compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Lilly's score of 61.9/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Lilly, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Lilly's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cambria
Frequently asked questions
Is Lilly, PA tap water safe to drink?
Lilly's water quality earned a grade of C (61.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #251 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Lilly's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 217 violations are on record.
How is Lilly'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 Lilly?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Lilly's water come from?
Lilly's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,388 residents.
What health violations has Lilly's water system had?
Lilly has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 13 violations remain unresolved.
How does Lilly's water compare to other cities?
Lilly ranks #251 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 55% of state cities) and #11948 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Lilly's small water system affect quality?
Lilly's system serves approximately 1,388 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 217 violations on record.