Is Markleysburg, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B-, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
73.5/100
waterverge.com Markleysburg, PA — Water Quality Report
Markleysburg's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.5 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,800 residents using groundwater.
Lead data is not currently available for this system. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 123 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Markleysburg's water
Markleysburg ranks #156 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Markleysburg 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, Markleysburg 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 Markleysburg, PA water safe to drink?
Markleysburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,800 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Markleysburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Markleysburg's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.5/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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.
Violation history
Markleysburg's water system has 123 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fayette County has experienced 7 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 Youghiogheny River, Bear Creek, Youghiogheny River Lake At Dam Nr Confluence, Youghiogheny R At Dam Outlet Tunnel Nr Confluence, Youghiogheny River At Youghiogheny River Dam.
Where does Markleysburg's water come from?
Markleysburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,800 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Youghiogheny River (river), Bear Creek (river), Youghiogheny River Lake At Dam Nr Confluence (lake), Youghiogheny R At Dam Outlet Tunnel Nr Confluence (river), Youghiogheny River At Youghiogheny River Dam (river).
What Markleysburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Markleysburg'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.
Markleysburg'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.
Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Markleysburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Markleysburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FCC HAZELTON BRUCETON MILLS, WV26525 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
OLDCASTLE LAWN & GARDEN INC BRUCETON MILLS, WV26525 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
ALLEGHENY WOOD PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL INC MILL #6 BRUCETON MILLS, WV26525 | — | — | 7.5 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Fayette County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1971. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Full contaminants report
No contaminant data available for this city.
See how Markleysburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Markleysburg ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Markleysburg's water comes from
Markleysburg'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 2,800 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Markleysburg
Markleysburg is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Markleysburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NATIONAL PIKE WATER AUTH | PA5260048 | 2,800 | GW |
How Markleysburg compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Markleysburg's score of 73.5/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Markleysburg, PA
Wikipedia →Markleysburg is a borough in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 246 at the 2020 census. The borough is served by the Uniontown Area School District.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Markleysburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fayette
Frequently asked questions
Is Markleysburg, PA tap water safe to drink?
Markleysburg's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #156 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Markleysburg's water?
123 violations are on record.
How is Markleysburg'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 Markleysburg?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Markleysburg's water come from?
Markleysburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,800 residents.
What health violations has Markleysburg's water system had?
Markleysburg has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Markleysburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Markleysburg 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 123 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 Markleysburg's water compare to other cities?
Markleysburg ranks #156 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 72% of state cities) and #10070 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Markleysburg's small water system affect quality?
Markleysburg's system serves approximately 2,800 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 123 violations on record.