Is Mc Connellstown, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper and Chlorate were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
79.3/100
waterverge.com Mc Connellstown, PA — Water Quality Report
Mc Connellstown's drinking water received a grade of B (79.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,450 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 139 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mc Connellstown's water
Mc Connellstown ranks #96 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Mc Connellstown 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 0.11 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, Mc Connellstown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mc Connellstown, PA water safe to drink?
Mc Connellstown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (79.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,450 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mc Connellstown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mc Connellstown's water quality assessment. Grade: B (79.3/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Radium-226, Radium-228.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mc Connellstown's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Mc Connellstown's water system has 139 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 32 remain unresolved.
Where does Mc Connellstown's water come from?
Mc Connellstown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,450 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Mc Connellstown residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mc Connellstown'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.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtHuntingdon 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Mc Connellstown'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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 3.40 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.400 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Mc Connellstown compares by contaminant
Explore where Mc Connellstown ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mc Connellstown's water comes from
Mc Connellstown'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 1,450 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Mc Connellstown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| WALKER TWP MUNI AUTH | PA4310038 | 1,450 | GW |
How Mc Connellstown compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Mc Connellstown's score of 79.3/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mc Connellstown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Huntingdon
Frequently asked questions
Is Mc Connellstown, PA tap water safe to drink?
Mc Connellstown's water quality earned a grade of B (79.3/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #96 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Mc Connellstown's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 139 violations are on record.
How is Mc Connellstown'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 Connellstown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mc Connellstown's water come from?
Mc Connellstown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,450 residents.
Is Mc Connellstown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mc Connellstown 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 139 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 Connellstown's water compare to other cities?
Mc Connellstown ranks #96 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 83% of state cities) and #8308 out of 15744 cities nationally (47th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mc Connellstown's small water system affect quality?
Mc Connellstown's system serves approximately 1,450 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 139 violations on record.