Is Martinsburg, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+ — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
65.8/100
waterverge.com Martinsburg, PA — Water Quality Report
Martinsburg's drinking water received a grade of C+ (65.8 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,625 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 22.0 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 126 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Martinsburg's water
Martinsburg ranks #223 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Martinsburg 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Martinsburg, PA water safe to drink?
Martinsburg's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (65.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,625 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Martinsburg
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Martinsburg's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (65.8/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Groundwater 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 Martinsburg's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Martinsburg's water system has 126 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 8 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Blair County has experienced 9 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 Raystown Branch Juniata River At Saxton.
Where does Martinsburg's water come from?
Martinsburg's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,625 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Raystown Branch Juniata River At Saxton (river).
What Martinsburg residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Martinsburg'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.
Martinsburg'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 Martinsburg
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Martinsburg, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CHAMPION HOMES BUILDERS INC. ALTANTIC HOMES DIV CLAYSBURG, PA16625 | — | — | 7.3 mi |
CARGILL FEED & NUTRITION MARTINSBURG MARTINSBURG, PA16662 | — | — | 1.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Blair County has experienced 9 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 Martinsburg'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. | 22.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Martinsburg compares by contaminant
Explore where Martinsburg ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Martinsburg's water comes from
Martinsburg'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 3,625 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Martinsburg
Martinsburg is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Martinsburg
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MARTINSBURG MUNI AUTH | PA4070030 | 3,160 | GW |
| FREDERICKSBURG WATER ASSN | PA4070031 | 300 | GW |
| HENRIETTA MUTUAL WATER ASSN | PA4070026 | 165 | GW |
How Martinsburg compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Martinsburg's score of 65.8/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Martinsburg, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Martinsburg's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Blair
Frequently asked questions
Is Martinsburg, PA tap water safe to drink?
Martinsburg's water quality earned a grade of C+ (65.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #223 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Martinsburg's water?
Lead was measured at 22.0 ppb (90th percentile). 126 violations are on record.
How is Martinsburg'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 Martinsburg?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Martinsburg's water come from?
Martinsburg's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,625 residents.
What health violations has Martinsburg's water system had?
Martinsburg has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Martinsburg's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Martinsburg 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 126 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 Martinsburg's water compare to other cities?
Martinsburg ranks #223 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 60% of state cities) and #11461 out of 15744 cities nationally (27th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.