Is Port Matilda, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
66.9/100
waterverge.com Port Matilda, PA — Water Quality Report
Port Matilda's drinking water received a grade of C+ (66.9 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,115 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 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 218 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Port Matilda's water
Port Matilda ranks #215 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Port Matilda 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, Port Matilda may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 14 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Port Matilda, PA water safe to drink?
Port Matilda's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (66.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 2,115 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Port Matilda
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Port Matilda's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (66.9/100).
Contaminants: Combined Uranium, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Picloram, Dinoseb, 2,4,5-TP.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4292). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Port Matilda's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Port Matilda's water system has 218 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Centre County has experienced 8 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.
Where does Port Matilda's water come from?
Port Matilda's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 2,115 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Port Matilda residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Port Matilda'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.
Port Matilda'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 Port Matilda
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Port Matilda, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 0 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
PMG PENNSYLVANIA PHILIPSBURG, PA16866 | Copper | 0 | 9.7 mi |
SPECTRUM CONTROLINC STATE COLLEGE, PA16801 | — | — | 8.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Centre County has experienced 8 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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Port Matilda compares by contaminant
Explore where Port Matilda ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Port Matilda's water comes from
Port Matilda'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 2,115 people through 2 water systems.
Water systems serving Port Matilda
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPPER HALFMOON WATER | PA4140109 | 1,500 | GW |
| PORT MATILDA WATERWORKS | PA4140088 | 615 | GW |
How Port Matilda compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Port Matilda's score of 66.9/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Port Matilda, PA
Wikipedia →Port Matilda is a borough in Centre County, Pennsylvania. It is part of the State College, Pennsylvania metropolitan statistical area. As of the 2020 census, Port Matilda had a population of 578.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Port Matilda's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Centre
Frequently asked questions
Is Port Matilda, PA tap water safe to drink?
Port Matilda's water quality earned a grade of C+ (66.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #215 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Port Matilda's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 218 violations are on record.
How is Port Matilda'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 Port Matilda?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Port Matilda's water come from?
Port Matilda's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 2,115 residents.
What health violations has Port Matilda's water system had?
Port Matilda has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Port Matilda's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Port Matilda 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 218 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 Port Matilda's water compare to other cities?
Port Matilda ranks #215 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 62% of state cities) and #11309 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.