Is Montgomery, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D+, with 17 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
50/100
waterverge.com Montgomery, PA — Water Quality Report
Montgomery's drinking water received a grade of D+ (50 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,700 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 5.0 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 146 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved.
What to know about Montgomery's water
Montgomery ranks #325 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Montgomery 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, Montgomery may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 25 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Montgomery, PA water safe to drink?
Montgomery's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D+ (50/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,700 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Montgomery
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Montgomery's water quality assessment. Grade: D+ (50/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4292). Flood 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 Montgomery's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Montgomery's water system has 146 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 17 remain unresolved. 25 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Lycoming 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 Wb Susquehanna River At Williamsport, Muncy Creek Near Muncy, West Branch Susquehanna River At Allenwood.
Where does Montgomery's water come from?
Montgomery's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,700 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Wb Susquehanna River At Williamsport (river), Muncy Creek Near Muncy (river), West Branch Susquehanna River At Allenwood (river).
What Montgomery residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Montgomery'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.
Montgomery'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 Montgomery
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Montgomery, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 4,302 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
GOLD BOND BUILDING PRODUCTS - MILTON NEW COLUMBIA, PA17856 | Thiabendazole | 4,276 | 8.4 mi |
HOEGANAES CORP WATSONTOWN, PA17777 | Zinc compounds | 16 | 8.2 mi |
KOPPERS INC (SUSQUEHANNA) MONTGOMERY, PA17752 | Creosote | 10 | 2.1 mi |
STELLANT SYSTEMS LLC. WILLIAMSPORT, PA17701 | — | — | 7.2 mi |
CHAMPIONX-HUGHESVILLE HUGHESVILLE, PA17737 | — | — | 8.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Lycoming 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. | 5.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Montgomery compares by contaminant
Explore where Montgomery ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Montgomery's water comes from
Montgomery'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 2,700 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Montgomery
Montgomery is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Montgomery
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MONTGOMERY WATER AUTHORITY | PA4410161 | 2,700 | GW |
How Montgomery compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Montgomery's score of 50/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Montgomery, PA
Wikipedia →Montgomery is a borough in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,570 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Williamsport, Pennsylvania Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Montgomery's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Lycoming
Frequently asked questions
Is Montgomery, PA tap water safe to drink?
Montgomery's water quality earned a grade of D+ (50/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #325 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Montgomery's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 146 violations are on record.
How is Montgomery'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 Montgomery?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Montgomery's water come from?
Montgomery's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,700 residents.
What health violations has Montgomery's water system had?
Montgomery has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 17 violations remain unresolved.
Is Montgomery's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Montgomery 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 146 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 Montgomery's water compare to other cities?
Montgomery ranks #325 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 42% of state cities) and #13098 out of 15744 cities nationally (17th percentile). The grade of D+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Montgomery's small water system affect quality?
Montgomery's system serves approximately 2,700 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 146 violations on record.