Is Pennsylvania Furnace, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 100 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Pennsylvania Furnace, PA — Water Quality Report
Pennsylvania Furnace's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,000 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 2.0 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 269 violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 100 remain unresolved.
What to know about Pennsylvania Furnace's water
Pennsylvania Furnace ranks #375 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Pennsylvania Furnace 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, Pennsylvania Furnace may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 79 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Pennsylvania Furnace, PA water safe to drink?
Pennsylvania Furnace's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of D (46/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,000 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Pennsylvania Furnace
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Pennsylvania Furnace's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4099). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Pennsylvania Furnace's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Pennsylvania Furnace's water system has 269 total violations on record, including 9 health-based violations. 100 remain unresolved. 79 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Huntingdon 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 Little Juniata River At Spruce Creek.
Where does Pennsylvania Furnace's water come from?
Pennsylvania Furnace's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,000 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Little Juniata River At Spruce Creek (river).
What Pennsylvania Furnace residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Pennsylvania Furnace'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.
Pennsylvania Furnace'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
Flood & disaster history
Huntingdon 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. | 2.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Pennsylvania Furnace compares by contaminant
Explore where Pennsylvania Furnace ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Pennsylvania Furnace's water comes from
Pennsylvania Furnace'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 private ownership and serves approximately 1,000 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Pennsylvania Furnace
Pennsylvania Furnace is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Pennsylvania Furnace
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROCK SPRING WATER CO | PA4140085 | 1,000 | GW |
How Pennsylvania Furnace compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Pennsylvania Furnace's score of 46/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 7 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Pennsylvania Furnace's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Centre
Frequently asked questions
Is Pennsylvania Furnace, PA tap water safe to drink?
Pennsylvania Furnace's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #375 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Pennsylvania Furnace's water?
Lead was measured at 2.0 ppb (90th percentile). 269 violations are on record.
How is Pennsylvania Furnace'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 Pennsylvania Furnace?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Pennsylvania Furnace's water come from?
Pennsylvania Furnace's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,000 residents.
What health violations has Pennsylvania Furnace's water system had?
Pennsylvania Furnace has 9 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in September 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 100 violations remain unresolved.
Is Pennsylvania Furnace's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Pennsylvania Furnace 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 269 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 Pennsylvania Furnace's water compare to other cities?
Pennsylvania Furnace ranks #375 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 33% of state cities) and #14061 out of 15744 cities nationally (11th percentile). The grade of D reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Pennsylvania Furnace's small water system affect quality?
Pennsylvania Furnace's system serves approximately 1,000 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 269 violations on record.