Is Mill Creek, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
74.7/100
waterverge.com Mill Creek, PA — Water Quality Report
Mill Creek's drinking water received a grade of B- (74.7 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,108 residents using groundwater.
Lead data is not currently available for this system. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 151 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mill Creek's water
Mill Creek ranks #147 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Mill Creek 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.
As a small community water system, Mill Creek may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mill Creek, PA water safe to drink?
Mill Creek's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (74.7/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,108 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mill Creek
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mill Creek's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (74.7/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4099). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Mill Creek's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Mill Creek's water system has 151 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Huntingdon County has experienced 10 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 Juniata River At Huntingdon, Raystown Lake Near Huntingdon, Rays Br Juniata R Bl Rays Dam Nr Huntingdon, Juniata River At Mapleton Depot.
Where does Mill Creek's water come from?
Mill Creek's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,108 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Juniata River At Huntingdon (river), Raystown Lake Near Huntingdon (lake), Rays Br Juniata R Bl Rays Dam Nr Huntingdon (river), Juniata River At Mapleton Depot (river).
What Mill Creek residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mill Creek'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.
Mill Creek'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 Mill Creek
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mill Creek, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BONNEY FORGE CORP MOUNT UNION, PA17066 | — | — | 6.1 mi |
NOV FIBER GLASS SYSTEMS - CONTAINMENT SOLUTIONS MOUNT UNION, PA17066 | — | — | 6.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
Flood & disaster history
Huntingdon County has experienced 10 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 Mill Creek's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. | 1.46 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mill Creek compares by contaminant
Explore where Mill Creek ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mill Creek's water comes from
Mill Creek'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 1,108 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mill Creek
Mill Creek is located near 4 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mill Creek
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MILL CREEK AREA MUN AUTH | PA4310050 | 1,108 | GW |
How Mill Creek compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Mill Creek's score of 74.7/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Mill Creek, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mill Creek's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Huntingdon
Frequently asked questions
Is Mill Creek, PA tap water safe to drink?
Mill Creek's water quality earned a grade of B- (74.7/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #147 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Mill Creek's water?
151 violations are on record.
How is Mill Creek'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 Mill Creek?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mill Creek's water come from?
Mill Creek's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,108 residents.
Is Mill Creek's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mill Creek 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 151 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 Mill Creek's water compare to other cities?
Mill Creek ranks #147 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 74% of state cities) and #9775 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mill Creek's small water system affect quality?
Mill Creek's system serves approximately 1,108 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 151 violations on record.