Is Milford, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead and Copper were detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
28.5/100
waterverge.com Milford, PA — Water Quality Report
Milford's drinking water received a grade of F (28.5 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 3,128 residents using ground water under influence.
Lead levels were measured at 184.0 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 1335 violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 175 remain unresolved.
What to know about Milford's water
Milford ranks #551 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Milford 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, Milford may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 565 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Milford, PA water safe to drink?
Milford's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (28.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 10 water systems serve approximately 3,128 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Milford
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Milford's water quality assessment. Grade: F (28.5/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule, Groundwater Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Public Notice, Chlorine, Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Revised Total Coliform Rule, Chlorine.
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 Milford's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Milford's water system has 1,335 total violations on record, including 29 health-based violations. 175 remain unresolved. 565 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 Shohola Creek Near Walker Lake, Delaware River, Mongaup River, Delaware River At Montague.
Where does Milford's water come from?
Milford's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 10 water systems serving approximately 3,128 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Shohola Creek Near Walker Lake (river), Delaware River (river), Mongaup River (river), Delaware River At Montague (river).
What Milford residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Milford'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.
Milford'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 Milford
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Milford, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GILLINDER BROTHERS INC. PORT JERVIS, NY12771 | — | — | 6.5 mi |
PORT JERVIS LABORATORIES PORT JERVIS, NY12771 | — | — | 6.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Milford
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 DISPOSAL8.4 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Milford'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. | 184.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
| 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. | 2.78 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Milford compares by contaminant
Explore where Milford ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Milford's water comes from
Milford'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 3,128 people through 10 water systems.
Water bodies near Milford
Milford is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Milford
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MILFORD WATER AUTHORITY | PA2520046 | 2,420 | GU |
| MOON VALLEY FALLS | PA2520103 | 120 | GW |
| MILFORD SENIOR CARE | PA2520052 | 110 | GW |
| CRESCENT LAKE NORTH COMM ASSOC | PA2520086 | 93 | GW |
| NEVILLES MOBILE HOME COURT | PA2640006 | 85 | GW |
| EVERGREEN MHC LLC | PA2400049 | 80 | GW |
| MAPLE PARK GARDEN APARTMENTS | PA2520208 | 75 | GW |
| SWEET VALLEY MHC | PA2400060 | 60 | GW |
| OAK MANOR ESTATES | PA2520095 | 50 | GW |
| WHEATFIELD VILLAGE | PA2520087 | 35 | GW |
How Milford compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Milford's score of 28.5/100 is below the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. 10 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Milford, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Milford's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Pike
Frequently asked questions
Is Milford, PA tap water safe to drink?
Milford's water quality earned a grade of F (28.5/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #551 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Milford's water?
Lead was measured at 184.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1335 violations are on record.
How is Milford'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 Milford?
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 Milford's water come from?
Milford's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 10 water systems serving approximately 3,128 residents.
What health violations has Milford's water system had?
Milford has 29 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 175 violations remain unresolved.
Is Milford's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Milford 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 1335 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 Milford's water compare to other cities?
Milford ranks #551 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 2% of state cities) and #15716 out of 15744 cities nationally (0th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.