Is Port Royal, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded D, with 39 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
46/100
waterverge.com Port Royal, PA — Water Quality Report
Port Royal's drinking water received a grade of D (46 out of 100), indicating poor water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 950 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 1.0 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 194 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 39 remain unresolved.
What to know about Port Royal's water
Port Royal ranks #376 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.
Port Royal 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 Royal may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 54 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Port Royal, PA water safe to drink?
Port Royal'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 950 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Port Royal
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Port Royal's water quality assessment. Grade: D (46/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4099). Hurricane 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 Royal's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Port Royal's water system has 194 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 39 remain unresolved. 54 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Juniata County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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 Tuscarora Creek Near Port Royal.
Where does Port Royal's water come from?
Port Royal's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 950 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tuscarora Creek Near Port Royal (river).
What Port Royal residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Port Royal'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 Royal'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 Royal
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Port Royal, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STELLA - JONES CORP MC ALISTERVILLE, PA17049 | — | — | 9.2 mi |
EMPIRE KOSHER POULTRY INC MIFFLINTOWN, PA17059 | — | — | 1.9 mi |
MASTER WOODCRAFT CABINETRY LLC THOMPSONTOWN, PA17094 | — | — | 7.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Port Royal
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- JACKS CREEK SITKIN SMELTING REFINING INC8.7 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Juniata County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1975. 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Port Royal compares by contaminant
Explore where Port Royal ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Port Royal's water comes from
Port Royal'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 950 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Port Royal
Port Royal is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Port Royal
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PORT ROYAL MUNI AUTH | PA4340010 | 950 | GW |
How Port Royal compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Port Royal'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 →About Port Royal, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Port Royal's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Juniata
Frequently asked questions
Is Port Royal, PA tap water safe to drink?
Port Royal's water quality earned a grade of D (46/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #376 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Port Royal's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 194 violations are on record.
How is Port Royal'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 Royal?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Port Royal's water come from?
Port Royal's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 950 residents.
Is Port Royal's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Port Royal 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 194 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 Royal's water compare to other cities?
Port Royal ranks #376 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 33% of state cities) and #14067 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 Port Royal's small water system affect quality?
Port Royal's system serves approximately 950 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 194 violations on record.