Is Mt Holly Springs, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B, with 3 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
78.5/100
waterverge.com Mt Holly Springs, PA — Water Quality Report
Mt Holly Springs's drinking water received a grade of B (78.5 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,261 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 52 violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved.
What to know about Mt Holly Springs's water
Mt Holly Springs ranks #106 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Mt Holly Springs 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, Mt Holly Springs may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 19 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Mt Holly Springs, PA water safe to drink?
Mt Holly Springs's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.5/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,261 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Mt Holly Springs
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Mt Holly Springs's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.5/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Chlorine.
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 Mt Holly Springs's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Mt Holly Springs's water system has 52 total violations on record, including 2 health-based violations. 3 remain unresolved. 19 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Cumberland 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 Mountain Creek Near Pine Grove Furnace, Bermudian Creek At Oxford Road Nr Heidlersburg.
Where does Mt Holly Springs's water come from?
Mt Holly Springs's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,261 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mountain Creek Near Pine Grove Furnace (river), Bermudian Creek At Oxford Road Nr Heidlersburg (river).
What Mt Holly Springs residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Mt Holly Springs'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.
Mt Holly Springs'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
Drought conditions
D2 — severe droughtCumberland 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
Cumberland 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 Mt Holly Springs compares by contaminant
Explore where Mt Holly Springs ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Mt Holly Springs's water comes from
Mt Holly Springs'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 3,261 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Mt Holly Springs
Mt Holly Springs is located near 2 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Mt Holly Springs
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| MT HOLLY SPRINGS BORO AUTH | PA7210037 | 3,261 | GW |
How Mt Holly Springs compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Mt Holly Springs's score of 78.5/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Mt Holly Springs's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Cumberland
Frequently asked questions
Is Mt Holly Springs, PA tap water safe to drink?
Mt Holly Springs's water quality earned a grade of B (78.5/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #106 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Mt Holly Springs's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 52 violations are on record.
How is Mt Holly Springs'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 Mt Holly Springs?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Mt Holly Springs's water come from?
Mt Holly Springs's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,261 residents.
What health violations has Mt Holly Springs's water system had?
Mt Holly Springs has 2 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in June 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 3 violations remain unresolved.
Is Mt Holly Springs's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Mt Holly Springs 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 52 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 Mt Holly Springs's water compare to other cities?
Mt Holly Springs ranks #106 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 81% of state cities) and #8666 out of 15744 cities nationally (45th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Mt Holly Springs's small water system affect quality?
Mt Holly Springs's system serves approximately 3,261 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 52 violations on record.