Is Manila, UT Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C-, with 25 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
57.1/100
waterverge.com Manila, UT — Water Quality Report
Manila's drinking water received a grade of C- (57.1 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 845 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.2 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 366 violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved.
What to know about Manila's water
Manila ranks #125 out of 177 cities in Utah for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Manila 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, Manila may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Manila, UT water safe to drink?
Manila's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C- (57.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 845 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Manila
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Manila's water quality assessment. Grade: C- (57.1/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4011). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3223). Coastal Storm event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Manila's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Manila's water system has 366 total violations on record, including 23 health-based violations. 25 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Daggett County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1983. 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 Henrys Fork.
Where does Manila's water come from?
Manila's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 845 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Henrys Fork (river).
What Manila residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Manila'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.
Manila'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
Drought conditions
D4 — exceptional droughtDaggett County is currently in D4 (exceptional drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 10.3% of the county is in D4 (exceptional) drought. 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
Daggett County has experienced 3 federally declared disasters since 1983. 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. | 2.2 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Manila compares by contaminant
Explore where Manila ranks among all Utah cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Manila's water comes from
Manila'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 845 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Manila
Manila is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Manila
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MANILA TOWN WATER SYSTEM | UTAH05003 | 701 | GW |
| DUTCH JOHN TOWN WATER SYSTEM | UTAH05001 | 144 | SW |
How Manila compares
Full Utah rankings →Manila's score of 57.1/100 is above the average of 50/100 among major Utah cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Utah rankings →About Manila, UT
Wikipedia →Manila is a small town located on the northern edge of Daggett County, Utah, United States, just south of the Wyoming border. The town is at the junction of State Route 43 and State Route 44, and is the county seat of Daggett County. Nearby sites include the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and the Flaming Gorge Reservoir just east of town, and to the south is Ashley National Forest, which includes Kings Peak (13,528 ft), the highest point in Utah.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Manila's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Daggett
Frequently asked questions
Is Manila, UT tap water safe to drink?
Manila's water quality earned a grade of C- (57.1/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #125 out of 177 cities tested in Utah.
What contaminants are in Manila's water?
Lead was measured at 2.2 ppb (90th percentile). 366 violations are on record.
How is Manila'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 Manila?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Manila's water come from?
Manila's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 845 residents.
What health violations has Manila's water system had?
Manila has 23 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 25 violations remain unresolved.
Is Manila's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Manila 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 366 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 Manila's water compare to other cities?
Manila ranks #125 out of 177 cities in Utah (better than 29% of state cities) and #12398 out of 15744 cities nationally (21th percentile). The grade of C- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.