Is Roaring Spring, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
77.6/100
waterverge.com Roaring Spring, PA — Water Quality Report
Roaring Spring's drinking water received a grade of B (77.6 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,357 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 105 violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved.
What to know about Roaring Spring's water
Roaring Spring ranks #115 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Roaring Spring 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.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Roaring Spring, PA water safe to drink?
Roaring Spring's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (77.6/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 3 water systems serve approximately 3,357 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Roaring Spring
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Roaring Spring's water quality assessment. Grade: B (77.6/100).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Nitrite, Nitrate.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3340). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Roaring Spring's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Roaring Spring's water system has 105 total violations on record, including 5 health-based violations. 11 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Blair County has experienced 9 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 Raystown Branch Juniata River At Saxton.
Where does Roaring Spring's water come from?
Roaring Spring's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 3 water systems serving approximately 3,357 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Raystown Branch Juniata River At Saxton (river).
What Roaring Spring residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Roaring Spring'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.
Roaring Spring'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 Roaring Spring
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Roaring Spring, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 46 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
ST PRODUCTS LLC (DBA WIELAND SMALL TUBE PRODUCTS) DUNCANSVILLE, PA16635 | Copper | 46 | 7.3 mi |
VEEDER-ROOT CO DUNCANSVILLE, PA16635 | — | — | 8.3 mi |
CHAMPION HOMES BUILDERS INC. ALTANTIC HOMES DIV CLAYSBURG, PA16625 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
CARGILL FEED & NUTRITION MARTINSBURG MARTINSBURG, PA16662 | — | — | 3.1 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Blair County has experienced 9 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 Roaring Spring'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. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 3.80 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 3.800 mg/L (1993)
EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L
See how Roaring Spring compares by contaminant
Explore where Roaring Spring ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Roaring Spring's water comes from
Roaring Spring'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 3,357 people through 3 water systems.
Water bodies near Roaring Spring
Roaring Spring is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Roaring Spring
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ROARING SPRING MUNI WATER AUTH | PA4070019 | 3,182 | GW |
| EAST SHARPSBURG WATER ASSN | PA4070033 | 95 | GW |
| ORE HILL WATER ASSN | PA4070297 | 80 | GW |
How Roaring Spring compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Roaring Spring's score of 77.6/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Roaring Spring, PA
Wikipedia →Roaring Spring is a borough in Blair County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 2,392 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Altoona, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Roaring Spring's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Blair
Frequently asked questions
Is Roaring Spring, PA tap water safe to drink?
Roaring Spring's water quality earned a grade of B (77.6/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #115 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Roaring Spring's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 105 violations are on record.
How is Roaring Spring'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 Roaring Spring?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Roaring Spring's water come from?
Roaring Spring's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 3 water systems serving approximately 3,357 residents.
What health violations has Roaring Spring's water system had?
Roaring Spring has 5 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2023. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 11 violations remain unresolved.
Is Roaring Spring's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Roaring Spring 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 105 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 Roaring Spring's water compare to other cities?
Roaring Spring ranks #115 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 79% of state cities) and #8936 out of 15744 cities nationally (43th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.