Is Millerstown, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded A-, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
85.2/100
waterverge.com Millerstown, PA — Water Quality Report
Millerstown's drinking water received a grade of A- (85.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 700 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 46 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Millerstown's water
Millerstown ranks #47 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it one of the best in the state.
Millerstown 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, Millerstown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Millerstown, PA water safe to drink?
Millerstown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of A- (85.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 700 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Millerstown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Millerstown's water quality assessment. Grade: A- (85.2/100).
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4030). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Millerstown's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Millerstown's water system has 46 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 4 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Perry 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 Newport.
Where does Millerstown's water come from?
Millerstown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 700 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 Newport (river).
What Millerstown residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Millerstown'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.
Millerstown'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 Millerstown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Millerstown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
CHAMPION HOMES BUILDERS INC. ALTANTIC HOMES DIV CLAYSBURG, PA16625 | — | — | 8.2 mi |
CARGILL FEED & NUTRITION MARTINSBURG MARTINSBURG, PA16662 | — | — | 3.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtPerry 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
Perry 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.
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 Millerstown compares by contaminant
Explore where Millerstown ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Millerstown's water comes from
Millerstown'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 700 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Millerstown
Millerstown is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Millerstown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MILLERSTOWN BORO WATER | PA7500021 | 700 | GW |
How Millerstown compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Millerstown's score of 85.2/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Millerstown, PA
Wikipedia →Millerstown is a borough in northern Perry County, Pennsylvania, United States, located 29 miles (47 km) northwest of Harrisburg and 29 miles (47 km) southwest of Selinsgrove. The population was 688 at the 2020 Census. The borough is part of the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Millerstown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Perry
Frequently asked questions
Is Millerstown, PA tap water safe to drink?
Millerstown's water quality earned a grade of A- (85.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #47 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Millerstown's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 46 violations are on record.
How is Millerstown'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 Millerstown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Millerstown's water come from?
Millerstown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 700 residents.
What health violations has Millerstown's water system had?
Millerstown has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in November 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 10 violations remain unresolved.
Is Millerstown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Millerstown 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 46 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 Millerstown's water compare to other cities?
Millerstown ranks #47 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 92% of state cities) and #5479 out of 15744 cities nationally (65th percentile). The grade of A- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Millerstown's small water system affect quality?
Millerstown's system serves approximately 700 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 46 violations on record.