Is Newport, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
31/100
waterverge.com Newport, PA — Water Quality Report
Newport's drinking water received a grade of F (31 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,200 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 18.5 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 721 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 158 remain unresolved.
What to know about Newport's water
Newport ranks #520 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Newport may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 34 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Newport, PA water safe to drink?
Newport's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (31/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 3,200 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Newport
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Newport's water quality assessment. Grade: F (31/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Newport's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Newport's water system has 721 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 158 remain unresolved. 34 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 Newport's water come from?
Newport's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 3,200 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Juniata River At Newport (river).
What Newport residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Newport'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.
Newport'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 Newport
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Newport, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
MASTER WOODCRAFT CABINETRY LLC THOMPSONTOWN, PA17094 | — | — | 8.4 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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Newport's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
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. | 18.5 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Newport compares by contaminant
Explore where Newport ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Newport's water comes from
Newport's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.
Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.
These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.
The system is operated by private ownership and serves approximately 3,200 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Newport
Newport is located near 1 notable water body. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Newport
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEWPORT BORO WATER AUTH | PA7500022 | 3,200 | SW |
How Newport compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Newport's score of 31/100 is below the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 1 of 10 nearby cities. 9 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Newport, PA
Wikipedia →Newport is a borough in Perry County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,487 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Harrisburg–Carlisle Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Newport's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Perry
Frequently asked questions
Is Newport, PA tap water safe to drink?
Newport's water quality earned a grade of F (31/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #520 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Newport's water?
Lead was measured at 18.5 ppb (90th percentile). 721 violations are on record.
How is Newport'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 Newport?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Newport's water come from?
Newport's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 3,200 residents.
What health violations has Newport's water system had?
Newport has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 158 violations remain unresolved.
How does Newport's water compare to other cities?
Newport ranks #520 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 7% of state cities) and #15663 out of 15744 cities nationally (1th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Newport's small water system affect quality?
Newport's system serves approximately 3,200 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 721 violations on record.