Is Rural Valley, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
83.2/100
waterverge.com Rural Valley, PA — Water Quality Report
Rural Valley's drinking water received a grade of B+ (83.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,000 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 70 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Rural Valley's water
Rural Valley ranks #64 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Rural Valley 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, Rural Valley may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 8 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Rural Valley, PA water safe to drink?
Rural Valley's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (83.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,000 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Rural Valley
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Rural Valley's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (83.2/100).
Contaminants: Radium-226, Radium-228, Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Combined Uranium.
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 Rural Valley's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Rural Valley's water system has 70 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved. 8 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Armstrong 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. Local water sources include Mahoning Creek Reservoir At Mahoning Creek Dam, Mahoning Creek At Mahoning Creek Dam, Crooked Creek At Idaho.
Where does Rural Valley's water come from?
Rural Valley's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,000 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Mahoning Creek Reservoir At Mahoning Creek Dam (lake), Mahoning Creek At Mahoning Creek Dam (river), Crooked Creek At Idaho (river).
What Rural Valley residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Rural Valley'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.
Rural Valley'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 Rural Valley
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Rural Valley, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 76,064 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
KEYSTONE POWER PLANT SHELOCTA, PA15774 | Ammonia | 76,064 | 9.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Armstrong 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Rural Valley compares by contaminant
Explore where Rural Valley ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Rural Valley's water comes from
Rural Valley'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 1,000 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Rural Valley
Rural Valley is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Rural Valley
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RURAL VALLEY WATER WORKS | PA5030012 | 1,000 | GW |
How Rural Valley compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Rural Valley's score of 83.2/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Rural Valley, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Rural Valley's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Armstrong
Frequently asked questions
Is Rural Valley, PA tap water safe to drink?
Rural Valley's water quality earned a grade of B+ (83.2/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #64 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Rural Valley's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 70 violations are on record.
How is Rural Valley'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 Rural Valley?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Rural Valley's water come from?
Rural Valley's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,000 residents.
What health violations has Rural Valley's water system had?
Rural Valley 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 Rural Valley's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Rural Valley 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 70 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 Rural Valley's water compare to other cities?
Rural Valley ranks #64 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 89% of state cities) and #6559 out of 15744 cities nationally (58th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Rural Valley's small water system affect quality?
Rural Valley's system serves approximately 1,000 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 70 violations on record.