Is Spring Mills, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 223 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
42/100
waterverge.com Spring Mills, PA — Water Quality Report
Spring Mills's drinking water received a grade of F (42 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 834 residents using ground water under influence.
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 1113 violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 223 remain unresolved.
What to know about Spring Mills's water
Spring Mills ranks #435 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Spring Mills 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, Spring Mills may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 267 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Spring Mills, PA water safe to drink?
Spring Mills's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (42/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 4 water systems serve approximately 834 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Spring Mills
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Spring Mills's water quality assessment. Grade: F (42/100).
Contaminants: Chlorine, Surface Water Treatment Rule, Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Contaminants: Gross Alpha, Excl. Radon and U, Combined Uranium.
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 Spring Mills's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Spring Mills's water system has 1,113 total violations on record, including 10 health-based violations. 223 remain unresolved. 267 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. Local water sources include Fishing Creek Near Lamar.
Where does Spring Mills's water come from?
Spring Mills's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 4 water systems serving approximately 834 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Fishing Creek Near Lamar (river).
What Spring Mills residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Spring Mills'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.
Spring Mills'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 Spring Mills
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Spring Mills, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
SUPELCO BELLEFONTE, PA16823 | — | — | 9.3 mi |
HANOVER FOODS CORP CENTRE HALL, PA16828 | — | — | 5.2 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. | 1.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Spring Mills compares by contaminant
Explore where Spring Mills ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Spring Mills's water comes from
Spring Mills'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 834 people through 4 water systems.
Water bodies near Spring Mills
Spring Mills is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Spring Mills
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GREGG TOWNSHIP WATER AUTHORITY | PA4140107 | 670 | GU |
| COUNTRY CLUB PARK | PA4140125 | 75 | GW |
| HIDDEN VIEW ESTATES | PA4140048 | 57 | GW |
| WYNWOOD HOUSE AT SALEM HILL | PA4140127 | 32 | GW |
How Spring Mills compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Spring Mills's score of 42/100 is below the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 4 of 10 nearby cities. 6 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Spring Mills, PA
Wikipedia →Spring Mills is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Centre County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is part of the State College, Pennsylvania Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 268 at the 2010 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Spring Mills's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Centre
Frequently asked questions
Is Spring Mills, PA tap water safe to drink?
Spring Mills's water quality earned a grade of F (42/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #435 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Spring Mills's water?
Lead was measured at 1.0 ppb (90th percentile). 1113 violations are on record.
How is Spring Mills'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 Spring Mills?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Spring Mills's water come from?
Spring Mills's water is sourced from Ground water under influence. The city has 4 water systems serving approximately 834 residents.
What health violations has Spring Mills's water system had?
Spring Mills has 10 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in January 2026. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 223 violations remain unresolved.
Is Spring Mills's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Spring Mills 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 1113 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 Spring Mills's water compare to other cities?
Spring Mills ranks #435 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 22% of state cities) and #14918 out of 15744 cities nationally (5th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.