Is Polk, 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 ↓
30/100
waterverge.com Polk, PA — Water Quality Report
Polk's drinking water received a grade of F (30 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,058 residents using surface water.
Lead levels were measured at 140.0 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 300 violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved.
What to know about Polk's water
Polk ranks #537 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, Polk may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 101 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Polk, PA water safe to drink?
Polk's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (30/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,058 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Polk
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Polk's water quality assessment. Grade: F (30/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule, Surface Water Treatment Rule.
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 Polk's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Polk's water system has 300 total violations on record, including 21 health-based violations. 28 remain unresolved. 101 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Venango County has experienced 7 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 French Creek At Utica, Allegheny River At Franklin.
Where does Polk's water come from?
Polk's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,058 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include French Creek At Utica (river), Allegheny River At Franklin (river).
What Polk residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Polk'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.
Polk'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 Polk
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Polk, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 528 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
WEBCO INDUSTRIES INC. - RENO DIV RENO, PA16343 | Manganese | 422 | 9.4 mi |
SCRUBGRASS GENERATING PLANT KENNERDELL, PA16374 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 78 | 9.3 mi |
BORCHERS AMERICAS INC. FRANKLIN, PA16323 | Manganese compounds | 28 | 7.5 mi |
FRANKLIN INVESTMENT CORP. FRANKLIN, PA16323 | — | — | 5.0 mi |
JOY GLOBAL UNDERGROUND MINING LLC FRANKLIN, PA16323 | — | — | 3.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Venango County has experienced 7 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 Polk'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. | 140.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Polk compares by contaminant
Explore where Polk ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Polk's water comes from
Polk'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 state ownership and serves approximately 1,058 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Polk
Polk is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Polk
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| POLK CENTER | PA6610010 | 1,058 | SW |
How Polk compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Polk's score of 30/100 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 Polk, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Polk's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Venango
Frequently asked questions
Is Polk, PA tap water safe to drink?
Polk's water quality earned a grade of F (30/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #537 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Polk's water?
Lead was measured at 140.0 ppb (90th percentile). 300 violations are on record.
How is Polk'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 Polk?
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 Polk's water come from?
Polk's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,058 residents.
What health violations has Polk's water system had?
Polk has 21 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in February 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 28 violations remain unresolved.
How does Polk's water compare to other cities?
Polk ranks #537 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 4% of state cities) and #15691 out of 15744 cities nationally (0th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Polk's small water system affect quality?
Polk's system serves approximately 1,058 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 300 violations on record.