Is Mont Alto, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C, with 6 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
62.1/100
waterverge.com Mont Alto, PA — Water Quality Report
Mont Alto's drinking water received a grade of C (62.1 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,705 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 253 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mont Alto's water
Mont Alto ranks #249 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Mont Alto 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, Mont Alto may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 32 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mont Alto, PA water safe to drink?
Mont Alto's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C (62.1/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,705 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mont Alto
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mont Alto's water quality assessment. Grade: C (62.1/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Groundwater 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 Mont Alto's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mont Alto's water system has 253 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 6 remain unresolved. 32 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Franklin 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 Antietam Creek.
Where does Mont Alto's water come from?
Mont Alto's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,705 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Antietam Creek (river).
What Mont Alto residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mont Alto'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.
Mont Alto'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 Mont Alto
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Mont Alto, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KNOUSE FOODS COOP INC CHAMBERSBURG PLANT CHAMBERSBURG, PA17201 | — | — | 8.6 mi |
BWISE TRAILERS CHAMBERSBURG, PA17201 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
SPECIALTY GRANULES LLC BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT, PA17214 | — | — | 9.1 mi |
GROVE U.S. LLC SHADY GROVE, PA17256 | — | — | 7.7 mi |
NOVAE LLC - CAM SUPERLINE WAYNESBORO, PA17268 | — | — | 5.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtFranklin County is currently in D2 (severe 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
Franklin 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Mont Alto compares by contaminant
Explore where Mont Alto ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mont Alto's water comes from
Mont Alto'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 1,705 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mont Alto
Mont Alto is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mont Alto
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONT ALTO MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY | PA7280040 | 1,705 | GW |
How Mont Alto compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Mont Alto's score of 62.1/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Mont Alto, PA
Wikipedia →Mont Alto is a borough in Franklin County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,580 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mont Alto's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Franklin
Frequently asked questions
Is Mont Alto, PA tap water safe to drink?
Mont Alto's water quality earned a grade of C (62.1/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #249 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Mont Alto's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 253 violations are on record.
How is Mont Alto'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 Mont Alto?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mont Alto's water come from?
Mont Alto's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,705 residents.
What health violations has Mont Alto's water system had?
Mont Alto has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mont Alto's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mont Alto 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 253 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 Mont Alto's water compare to other cities?
Mont Alto ranks #249 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 56% of state cities) and #11919 out of 15744 cities nationally (24th percentile). The grade of C reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mont Alto's small water system affect quality?
Mont Alto's system serves approximately 1,705 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 253 violations on record.