Is Thompsontown, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded F, with 69 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
39/100
waterverge.com Thompsontown, PA — Water Quality Report
Thompsontown's drinking water received a grade of F (39 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,060 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 15.0 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 468 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 69 remain unresolved.
What to know about Thompsontown's water
Thompsontown ranks #462 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Thompsontown 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.
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, Thompsontown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 74 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Thompsontown, PA water safe to drink?
Thompsontown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (39/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 1,060 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Thompsontown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Thompsontown's water quality assessment. Grade: F (39/100).
Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule, Pentachlorophenol.
Contaminants: Toxaphene, Diquat, Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform 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 Thompsontown'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
Thompsontown's water system has 468 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 69 remain unresolved. 74 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 Juniata River At Newport.
Where does Thompsontown's water come from?
Thompsontown's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 1,060 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Juniata River At Newport (river).
What Thompsontown residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Thompsontown'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.
Thompsontown'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 Thompsontown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Thompsontown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
STELLA - JONES CORP MC ALISTERVILLE, PA17049 | — | — | 3.8 mi |
EMPIRE KOSHER POULTRY INC MIFFLINTOWN, PA17059 | — | — | 8.5 mi |
MASTER WOODCRAFT CABINETRY LLC THOMPSONTOWN, PA17094 | — | — | 0.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
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.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Thompsontown'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. | 15.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Thompsontown compares by contaminant
Explore where Thompsontown ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Thompsontown's water comes from
Thompsontown'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 1,060 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Thompsontown
Thompsontown is located near 1 notable water body. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Thompsontown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| THOMPSONTOWN MUNI AUTH | PA4340007 | 1,000 | GW |
| BENNERS MHP | PA4340006 | 60 | GW |
How Thompsontown compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Thompsontown's score of 39/100 is below the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 3 of 10 nearby cities. 7 of 10 nearby cities score higher.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Thompsontown, PA
Wikipedia →Thompsontown is a borough in Juniata County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 629 at the 2020 census.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Thompsontown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Juniata
Frequently asked questions
Is Thompsontown, PA tap water safe to drink?
Thompsontown's water quality earned a grade of F (39/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #462 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Thompsontown's water?
Lead was measured at 15.0 ppb (90th percentile). 468 violations are on record.
How is Thompsontown'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 Thompsontown?
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 Thompsontown's water come from?
Thompsontown's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 1,060 residents.
What health violations has Thompsontown's water system had?
Thompsontown has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in October 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 69 violations remain unresolved.
Is Thompsontown's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Thompsontown 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 468 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 Thompsontown's water compare to other cities?
Thompsontown ranks #462 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 18% of state cities) and #15291 out of 15744 cities nationally (3th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.