Is Portland, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Chlorate was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
75/100
waterverge.com Portland, PA — Water Quality Report
Portland's drinking water received a grade of B (75 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile), which is within EPA limits but above recommended levels. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 85 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Portland's water
Portland ranks #144 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Portland 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.
Hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) was detected at 0.07 µg/L in UCMR 3 testing. While below California's 10 µg/L limit and with no federal MCL set, residents sensitive to this contaminant may consider reverse osmosis filtration.
While lead levels are within EPA limits, they are above the recommended 5 ppb threshold that health organizations consider ideal. A point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
As a small community water system, Portland 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 Portland, PA water safe to drink?
Portland's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (75/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,100 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Portland
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Portland's water quality assessment. Grade: B (75/100).
Contaminants: Nitrite, Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4618). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Contaminants: Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium.
Contaminants: Chlorine, Revised Total Coliform Rule.
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 Portland's water supply.
Within EPA limits but above the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended level of 1 ppb. An NSF 53-certified filter provides additional protection.
Violation history
Portland's water system has 85 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 14 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Northampton County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. 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 Delaware River Near Delaware Water Gap Pa, Brodhead Creek At Minisink Hills, Paulins Kill At Blairstown, Yards Creek Near Blairstown, Pequest River At Pequest.
Where does Portland's water come from?
Portland's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Delaware River Near Delaware Water Gap Pa (river), Brodhead Creek At Minisink Hills (river), Paulins Kill At Blairstown (river), Yards Creek Near Blairstown (river), Pequest River At Pequest (river).
What Portland residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Portland'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.
Portland'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 Portland
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Portland, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 29,352 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DSM NUTRITIONAL PRODUCTS LLC BELVIDERE, NJ07823 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 29,347 | 5.9 mi |
ALL WEATHER INSULATED PANELS EAST STROUDSBURG, PA18301 | Diisocyanates | 5 | 8.6 mi |
WESTROCK CONVERTING CO LLC STROUDSBURG MILL DELAWARE WATER GAP, PA18327 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 0 | 5.6 mi |
MARTINS CREEK STEAM ELECTRIC STATION BANGOR, PA18013 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
BIOSPECTRA BANGOR FACILITY BANGOR, PA18013 | — | — | 7.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Drought conditions
D1 — moderate droughtNorthampton County is currently in D1 (moderate drought) per the U.S. Drought Monitor (week of May 5, 2026). Drought can elevate disinfection-byproduct (TTHM/HAA5) levels and taste/odor issues as utilities draw from lower reservoirs.
Source: U.S. Drought Monitor, updated weekly by NDMC, USDA, and NOAA.
Flood & disaster history
Northampton County has experienced 10 federally declared disasters since 1996. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Portland'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. | 8.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Portland compares by contaminant
Explore where Portland ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Portland's water comes from
Portland'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 local government ownership and serves approximately 1,100 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Portland
Portland is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Portland
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PORTLAND BORO AUTHORITY | PA3480059 | 1,100 | GW |
How Portland compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Portland's score of 75/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Portland, PA
Wikipedia →Portland is a borough in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. The population of Portland was 494 at the 2020 census. Portland is part of the Lehigh Valley metropolitan area, which had a population of 861,899 and was thus the 68th most populous metropolitan area in the U.S. as of the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Portland's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Northampton
Frequently asked questions
Is Portland, PA tap water safe to drink?
Portland's water quality earned a grade of B (75/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #144 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Portland's water?
Lead was measured at 8.0 ppb (90th percentile). 85 violations are on record.
How is Portland'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 Portland?
While lead levels are within EPA limits, a filter adds extra protection. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Portland's water come from?
Portland's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,100 residents.
What health violations has Portland's water system had?
Portland has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2022. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 7 violations remain unresolved.
Is Portland's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Portland 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 85 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 Portland's water compare to other cities?
Portland ranks #144 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 74% of state cities) and #9705 out of 15744 cities nationally (38th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Portland's small water system affect quality?
Portland's system serves approximately 1,100 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 85 violations on record.