Is Point Marion, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 217 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
43/100
Point Marion, PA — Water Quality Report
Point Marion's drinking water received a grade of F (43 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,900 residents using surface water.
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 726 violations on record, including 61 health-based violations. 217 remain unresolved.
What to know about Point Marion's water
Point Marion ranks #414 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average 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.
The system has seen 77 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Point Marion, PA water safe to drink?
Point Marion's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (43/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,900 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Point Marion
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Point Marion's water quality assessment. Grade: F (43/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
3 health-based. Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3235). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Point Marion's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Point Marion's water system has 726 total violations on record, including 61 health-based violations. 217 remain unresolved. 77 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Fayette County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 Monongahela R, Deckers Creek, Monongahela R L&D8 (Upper Pool) @ Point Marion, Monongahela R L&D8 (Lower Pool) @ Point Marion, Cheat Lake.
Where does Point Marion's water come from?
Point Marion's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,900 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Monongahela R (river), Deckers Creek (river), Monongahela R L&D8 (Upper Pool) @ Point Marion (river), Monongahela R L&D8 (Lower Pool) @ Point Marion (river), Cheat Lake (lake).
What Point Marion residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Point Marion'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.
Point Marion'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 Point Marion
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Point Marion, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 444 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FORT MARTIN POWER STATION MAIDSVILLE, WV26541 | Nickel And Nickel Compounds | 387 | 4.0 mi |
LONGVIEW POWER MAIDSVILLE, WV26541 | Zinc compounds | 49 | 3.7 mi |
MORGANTOWN TECHNICAL SERVICES INC MOUNT MORRIS, PA15349 | Ethylene glycol | 5 | 8.4 mi |
CORESCO LLC MAIDSVILLE COMPLEX MAIDSVILLE, WV26541 | Manganese compounds | 2 | 5.4 mi |
SI GROUP INC -NORTH PLANT MORGANTOWN, WV26501 | Phenol | 1 | 9.6 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Fayette County has experienced 7 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 Point Marion compares by contaminant
Explore where Point Marion ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Point Marion's water comes from
Point Marion'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 3,900 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Point Marion
Point Marion is located near 5 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Point Marion
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALBERT GALLATIN MUNI AUTH | PA5260027 | 2,695 | SW |
| POINT MARION BORO | PA5260017 | 1,110 | SW |
| STATE LINE MUNI SVCS AUTH | PA5260035 | 95 | SWP |
How Point Marion compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Point Marion's score of 43/100 is below the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Point Marion, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Point Marion's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Fayette
Frequently asked questions
Is Point Marion, PA tap water safe to drink?
Point Marion's water quality earned a grade of F (43/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #414 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Point Marion's water?
Lead was measured at 5.0 ppb (90th percentile). 726 violations are on record.
How is Point Marion'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 Point Marion?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Point Marion's water come from?
Point Marion's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,900 residents.
What health violations has Point Marion's water system had?
Point Marion has 61 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in August 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 217 violations remain unresolved.
How does Point Marion's water compare to other cities?
Point Marion ranks #414 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 26% of state cities) and #14675 out of 15744 cities nationally (7th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.