Is Tioga, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded C+, with 8 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
67.2/100
waterverge.com Tioga, PA — Water Quality Report
Tioga's drinking water received a grade of C+ (67.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 615 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 11.0 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 314 violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tioga's water
Tioga ranks #214 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Tioga 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, Tioga may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 7 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tioga, PA water safe to drink?
Tioga's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of C+ (67.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 615 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tioga
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tioga's water quality assessment. Grade: C+ (67.2/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Public Notice.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-4030). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tioga'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
Tioga's water system has 314 total violations on record, including 1 health-based violation. 8 remain unresolved. 7 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Tioga County has experienced 10 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 Tioga River Near Mansfield, Corey Creek Near Mainesburg, Tioga Lake At Tioga Dam At Tioga, Tioga River At Tioga, Crooked Cr Bl Catlin Hollow At Middlebury Center.
Where does Tioga's water come from?
Tioga's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 615 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Tioga River Near Mansfield (river), Corey Creek Near Mainesburg (river), Tioga Lake At Tioga Dam At Tioga (lake), Tioga River At Tioga (river), Crooked Cr Bl Catlin Hollow At Middlebury Center (river).
What Tioga residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tioga'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.
Tioga'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 Tioga
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tioga, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 282 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA MIDDLEBURY CENTER, PA16935 | Nitrate compounds (water dissociable; reportable only when in aqueous solution) | 281 | 8.4 mi |
VICTAULIC CO - LAWRENCEVILLE FACILITY TIOGA, PA16946 | Lead And Lead Compounds | 1 | 4.2 mi |
WARD MANUFACTURING LLC WAR DFLEX DIV LAWRENCEVILLE, PA16929 | — | — | 4.3 mi |
MURUS CO MANSFIELD, PA16933 | — | — | 8.0 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Tioga County has experienced 10 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 Tioga'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. | 11.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Near Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tioga compares by contaminant
Explore where Tioga ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tioga's water comes from
Tioga'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 615 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Tioga
Tioga is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tioga
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIOGA BORO MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY | PA2590031 | 615 | GW |
How Tioga compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Tioga's score of 67.2/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Tioga, PA
Wikipedia →Tioga is a borough in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, United States. As of the 2020 census, Tioga had a population of 606. It is located north of Tioga and Hammond Lakes along the Tioga River.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tioga's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Tioga
Frequently asked questions
Is Tioga, PA tap water safe to drink?
Tioga's water quality earned a grade of C+ (67.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #214 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Tioga's water?
Lead was measured at 11.0 ppb (90th percentile). 314 violations are on record.
How is Tioga'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 Tioga?
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 Tioga's water come from?
Tioga's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 615 residents.
What health violations has Tioga's water system had?
Tioga has 1 health-based violation on record. The most recent violation was recorded in May 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 8 violations remain unresolved.
Is Tioga's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tioga 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 314 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 Tioga's water compare to other cities?
Tioga ranks #214 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 62% of state cities) and #11268 out of 15744 cities nationally (28th percentile). The grade of C+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Tioga's small water system affect quality?
Tioga's system serves approximately 615 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 314 violations on record.