Is Mc Alisterville, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
42.3/100
waterverge.com Mc Alisterville, PA — Water Quality Report
Mc Alisterville's drinking water received a grade of F (42.3 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 50.5 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 254 violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 40 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mc Alisterville's water
Mc Alisterville ranks #429 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Mc Alisterville 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.
As a small community water system, Mc Alisterville 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 Mc Alisterville, PA water safe to drink?
Mc Alisterville's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 850 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mc Alisterville
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mc Alisterville's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42.3/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mc Alisterville's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Mc Alisterville's water system has 254 total violations on record, including 4 health-based violations. 40 remain unresolved. 17 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Where does Mc Alisterville's water come from?
Mc Alisterville's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 850 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Mc Alisterville residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mc Alisterville'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mc Alisterville'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. | 50.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mc Alisterville compares by contaminant
Explore where Mc Alisterville ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mc Alisterville's water comes from
Mc Alisterville'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 850 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Mc Alisterville
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCALISTERVILLE AREA JOINT AUTH | PA4340002 | 850 | GU |
How Mc Alisterville compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Mc Alisterville's score of 42.3/100 is below the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mc Alisterville's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Juniata
Frequently asked questions
Is Mc Alisterville, PA tap water safe to drink?
Mc Alisterville's water quality earned a grade of F (42.3/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #429 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Mc Alisterville's water?
Lead was measured at 50.5 ppb (90th percentile). 254 violations are on record.
How is Mc Alisterville'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 Mc Alisterville?
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 Mc Alisterville's water come from?
Mc Alisterville's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 850 residents.
What health violations has Mc Alisterville's water system had?
Mc Alisterville has 4 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 40 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mc Alisterville's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mc Alisterville 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 254 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 Mc Alisterville's water compare to other cities?
Mc Alisterville ranks #429 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 23% of state cities) and #14827 out of 15744 cities nationally (6th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mc Alisterville's small water system affect quality?
Mc Alisterville's system serves approximately 850 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 254 violations on record.