Is Matamoras, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 18 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Matamoras, PA — Water Quality Report
Matamoras's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,900 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 174 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 18 remain unresolved.
What to know about Matamoras's water
Matamoras ranks #372 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Matamoras 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.07 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
As a small community water system, Matamoras may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 100 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Matamoras, PA water safe to drink?
Matamoras's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,900 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Matamoras
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Matamoras's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4099). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Matamoras's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Matamoras's water system has 174 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 18 remain unresolved. 100 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Pike County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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 Delaware River, Mongaup River, Basher Kill, Neversink River, Delaware River At Montague.
Where does Matamoras's water come from?
Matamoras's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,900 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Delaware River (river), Mongaup River (river), Basher Kill (river), Neversink River (river), Delaware River At Montague (river).
What Matamoras residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Matamoras'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.
Matamoras'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 Matamoras
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Matamoras, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GILLINDER BROTHERS INC. PORT JERVIS, NY12771 | — | — | 1.2 mi |
PORT JERVIS LABORATORIES PORT JERVIS, NY12771 | — | — | 0.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Matamoras
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- CARROLL DUBIES SEWAGE DISPOSAL2.5 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtPike County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). 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
Pike County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1969. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Matamoras compares by contaminant
Explore where Matamoras ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Matamoras's water comes from
Matamoras'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 2,900 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Matamoras
Matamoras is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Matamoras
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUNI AUTH OF BORO OF MATAMORAS | PA2520044 | 2,900 | GW |
How Matamoras compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Matamoras's score of 46/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Matamoras's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pike
Frequently asked questions
Is Matamoras, PA tap water safe to drink?
Matamoras's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #372 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Matamoras's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 174 violations are on record.
How is Matamoras'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 Matamoras?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Matamoras's water come from?
Matamoras's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,900 residents.
What health violations has Matamoras's water system had?
Matamoras has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 18 violations remain unresolved.
Is Matamoras's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Matamoras 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 174 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 Matamoras's water compare to other cities?
Matamoras ranks #372 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 34% of state cities) and #13994 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Matamoras's small water system affect quality?
Matamoras's system serves approximately 2,900 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 174 violations on record.