WaterVerge

Is Tyrone, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Graded F — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓

8K residents served 5 water systems PWSID: PA4070021
Overall Score
44 / 100
Violations
121 active
Last Updated
May 2026
Source
Surface water
#396 of 560 in Pennsylvania Top 92% nationally
Local Government
High data confidence
Reviewed by WaterVerge Editorial Team · Last updated May 2026
FGRADE
Water Quality Grade
44/100
waterverge.com
F 44/100

Tyrone, PA — Water Quality Report

Tyrone's drinking water received a grade of F (44 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 7,910 residents using surface water.

Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. PFAS testing under UCMR 5 found no detectable forever chemicals.

The system has 926 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 121 remain unresolved.

Data last updated: May 2026 · Source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5
Analysis

What to know about Tyrone's water

Tyrone ranks #396 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it below average in the state.

The city draws from surface water sources, which are more susceptible to seasonal runoff and agricultural contamination, requiring extensive multi-barrier treatment including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection.

The system has seen 188 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.

Quality Breakdown

Water quality score

See methodology →
44 out of 100 Grade F
A: 90-100
B: 74-89
C: 60-73
F: <50
How is this calculated?
Violations
0/45
F
Historical violation record including health-based and monitoring violations.
Lead & Copper
16/20
B
Lead at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile).
Contaminants
16/20
B
No PFAS compounds detected.
Compliance
8/10
B
Monitoring and reporting compliance with EPA regulations.
Source Risk
4/5
B
Water source: Surface water.
Water Safety

Is Tyrone, PA water safe to drink?

Concerns Identified

Tyrone's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (44/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 5 water systems serve approximately 7,910 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).

121
Active Violations
0.0 ppb
Lead (90th %ile)
None
PFAS Detected
9 events
Disaster History

Recent water quality updates for Tyrone

A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.

Update
Water quality data updated

Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Tyrone's water quality assessment. Grade: F (44/100).

Violation
3 drinking water violations recorded

Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Violation
1 drinking water violation recorded

Contaminants: Groundwater Rule.

Violation
2 drinking water violations recorded

1 health-based. Contaminants: Public Notice, Groundwater Rule.

Disaster
HURRICANE SANDY

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Disaster
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE

Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3340). Flood event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.

Key contaminant findings

Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Tyrone's water supply.

Lead Within Limits
Detected: 0.0 ppb Limit: 15 ppb (EPA Action Level)

Well within EPA limits.

Copper Exceeds Limit
Detected: 2.30 mg/L Limit: 1.3 mg/L (EPA Action Level)

Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.

Violation history

Tyrone's water system has 926 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 121 remain unresolved. 188 violations were issued in the last 5 years.

MROtherTTMONRPTMCL
Most recent violations:
Jul 2025 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Jul 2025 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Jul 2025 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Jun 2025 Groundwater Rule Resolved
Mar 2025 Public Notice Open

Flood & environmental risk

Blair County has experienced 9 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 Bald Eagle Creek At Tyrone, Little Juniata River At Spruce Creek.

HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA DR-3356
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA DR-3340
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA DR-3235

Where does Tyrone's water come from?

Tyrone's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 5 water systems serving approximately 7,910 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Bald Eagle Creek At Tyrone (river), Little Juniata River At Spruce Creek (river).

What Tyrone residents can do

Install a water filter

Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Tyrone's water.

Request your utility's CCR

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.

Monitor alerts during storms

Tyrone'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.

Contaminant Alerts

Top contaminants to know

View all ↓
Lead (90th percentile)
Inorganic / Heavy Metal
Safe
0.0 ppb
EPA Action Level: 15 ppb · 0% of limit
Safe Level
Copper (90th percentile)
Inorganic
Over Limit
2.30 mg/L
EPA Action Level: 1.3 mg/L · +20% over limit
Exceeds Limit
PFAS Testing

Forever chemicals overview

National PFAS report →
30
Compounds tested
0
Detected
0
Exceed EPA MCL
Compliance Record

Violation summary

926
Total violations
6
Health-based
121
Active / unresolved
Jul 2025
Most recent violation
Compliance Record

Violations & advisories

926 Total
121 Active
6 Health-based
805 Resolved
13 SNC
Violations by category
Synthetic Organic Chemicals
426
Volatile Organic Chemicals
160
Public Notice Rule and Revised PN Rule
98
Inorganic Chemicals
51
Radionuclides and Revised Rad Rule
44
Mar 2025 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2022 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Oct 2021 Active
Consumer Confidence Rule
Other Violation 0
Jul 2021 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2021 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jul 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Jan 2020 Active
Public Notice
Other Violation 0
Oct 2019 Active
Lead and Copper Rule
Monitoring & Reporting
Monitoring & Reporting 0
Showing 20 of 926 violations
Industrial pollution

Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Tyrone

Industrial polluters nearby

Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Tyrone, ranked by pounds discharged annually.

FacilityTop chemicalTo surface water (lbs/yr)Distance
CHICAGO RIVET & MACHINE CO
Fabricated Metals · NA
TYRONE, PA16686
0.6 mi
W R GRACE & CO
Chemicals · W R GRACE & CO
TYRONE, PA16686
1.5 mi
MULTI-COLOR CORP
Printing · MULTI-COLOR CORP
TYRONE, PA16686
3.3 mi

Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023

Environmental Risk

Flood & disaster history

9
Declared disasters
Oct 2012
Most recent
Flood
Most common type

Blair County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.

Oct 2012
HURRICANE SANDY
Hurricane FEMA #3356
Sep 2011
REMNANTS OF TROPICAL STORM LEE
Flood FEMA #3340
Sep 2005
HURRICANE KATRINA
Hurricane FEMA #3235
Sep 2004
TROPICAL DEPRESSION IVAN
Hurricane FEMA #1557
Jul 1996
SEVERE STORMS, FLOODING, AND TORNADOES
Flood FEMA #1130
Jan 1996
SEVERE STORMS AND FLOODING
Flood FEMA #1093

Recommended water filters

Based on contaminants detected in Tyrone's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.

🔧
For Copper
Reverse Osmosis or KDF Filter
Copper exceeds the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L

Full contaminants report

Contaminant Detected Level EPA Limit Unit Category Status
Lead (90th percentile) 0.0 15 ppb Inorganic Safe
Copper (90th percentile) 2.30 1.3 mg/L Inorganic Over Limit
11Cl-PF3OUdS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
4:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
6:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
8:2 FTS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
9Cl-PF3ONS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
ADONA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
HFPO-DA ND 0.01 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
lithium ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NEtFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NFDHA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
NMeFOSAA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFBS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFDoA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFEESA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHpS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFHxS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMBA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFMPA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFNA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOA ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFOS ND 0.004 µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFPeS ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFTrDA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
PFUnA ND HI µg/L PFAS Not Detected
Data source: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5, local utility CCR.

Lead level trend (90th percentile)

EPA action level: 15 ppb
Lead has decreased by 102.8 ppb from 1992 (125.0 ppb) to 2025 (22.2 ppb).

Copper level (90th percentile)

Latest reading: 2.300 mg/L (1992)

EPA action level: 1.3 mg/L

Infrastructure

Water source & infrastructure

Primary Source
Surface Water
Operator
Local Government
Population Served
7,910
Water Systems
5
Source breakdown
Groundwater
4
Surface Water
1
Water Source

Where Tyrone's water comes from

Surface Water

Tyrone's drinking water comes primarily from surface water sources such as rivers, lakes, or reservoirs.

Surface water systems require multi-stage treatment including coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to meet EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards.

These sources can be impacted by seasonal changes, stormwater runoff, upstream agriculture, and industrial discharge.

The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 7,910 people through 5 water systems.

Local Hydrology

Water bodies near Tyrone

Tyrone is located near 2 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.

Bald Eagle Creek At Tyrone
river
Little Juniata River At Spruce Creek
river
Infrastructure

Water systems serving Tyrone

System Name PWSID Population Source
TYRONE BORO WATER AUTH PA4070021 6,500 SW
OAK RIDGE AUTHORITY PA4140119 700 GW
GRIER SCHOOL PA4310022 450 GW
EMILY ESTATES SUBDIV PA4310051 162 GW
VAIL WATER ASSN PA4070056 98 GW
Regional Comparison

How Tyrone compares

Full Pennsylvania rankings →

Tyrone's score of 44/100 is on par with the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 5 of 10 nearby cities.

Tyrone (this city)
44
Bryn Mawr
34.2
Mcmurray
86.8
Greensburg
46.7
Pennsylvania avg
49
City Profile

About Tyrone, PA

Economic Profile
$70,833
Median Income
$202,845
Median Home Value
$684/mo
Median Rent
4.9%
Unemployment
Community
34.4
Median Age
22
People / sq mi
11.5%
College Educated
77.7%
Homeownership
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Frequently asked questions

Is Tyrone, PA tap water safe to drink?

Tyrone's water quality earned a grade of F (44/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #396 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.

What contaminants are in Tyrone's water?

Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). No PFAS compounds were detected. 926 violations are on record.

How is Tyrone'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 Tyrone?

Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.

Where does Tyrone's water come from?

Tyrone's water is sourced from Surface water. The city has 5 water systems serving approximately 7,910 residents.

What health violations has Tyrone's water system had?

Tyrone has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 121 violations remain unresolved.

How does Tyrone's water compare to other cities?

Tyrone ranks #396 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 29% of state cities) and #14452 out of 15744 cities nationally (8th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.