Is Tionesta, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B- — but Lead was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
73.2/100
waterverge.com Tionesta, PA — Water Quality Report
Tionesta's drinking water received a grade of B- (73.2 out of 100), indicating fair water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 690 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 18.7 ppb (90th percentile), which exceeds the EPA action level of 15 ppb. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 96 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved.
What to know about Tionesta's water
Tionesta ranks #160 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it mid-range in the state.
Tionesta 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.
Lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb, which typically indicates aging lead service lines or lead solder in the distribution system. An NSF 53-certified filter is strongly recommended for drinking and cooking water.
As a small community water system, Tionesta may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Tionesta, PA water safe to drink?
Tionesta's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B- (73.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 690 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Tionesta
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tionesta's water quality assessment. Grade: B- (73.2/100).
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule, Chlorine.
Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.
Contaminants: Chlorine.
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 Tionesta's water supply.
Exceeds EPA action level. Lead service line replacement and point-of-use filtration recommended.
Violation history
Tionesta's water system has 96 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 5 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Forest County has experienced 6 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 Allegheny River At West Hickory, Tionesta Creek Reservoir At Tionesta Creek Dam, Tionesta Creek At Tionesta Creek Dam.
Where does Tionesta's water come from?
Tionesta's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 690 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Allegheny River At West Hickory (river), Tionesta Creek Reservoir At Tionesta Creek Dam (lake), Tionesta Creek At Tionesta Creek Dam (river).
What Tionesta residents can do
Recommended: NSF 53-certified pitcher or under-sink filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tionesta'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.
Tionesta'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
Flood & disaster history
Forest County has experienced 6 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 Tionesta'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. | 18.7 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Tionesta compares by contaminant
Explore where Tionesta ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Tionesta's water comes from
Tionesta'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 690 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Tionesta
Tionesta is located near 3 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Tionesta
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIONESTA BOROUGH WATER SUPPLY | PA6270001 | 610 | GW |
| HARTZELL MOBILEHOME PARK | PA6160020 | 80 | GW |
How Tionesta compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Tionesta's score of 73.2/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Tionesta, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Tionesta's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Forest
Frequently asked questions
Is Tionesta, PA tap water safe to drink?
Tionesta's water quality earned a grade of B- (73.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #160 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Tionesta's water?
Lead was measured at 18.7 ppb (90th percentile). 96 violations are on record.
How is Tionesta'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 Tionesta?
Yes — lead levels exceed the EPA action level of 15 ppb. We recommend an NSF 53-certified filter or reverse osmosis system. Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Tionesta's water come from?
Tionesta's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 690 residents.
Is Tionesta's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Tionesta 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 96 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 Tionesta's water compare to other cities?
Tionesta ranks #160 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 71% of state cities) and #10147 out of 15744 cities nationally (36th percentile). The grade of B- reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.