Is Ulysses, 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 ↓
41/100
waterverge.com Ulysses, PA — Water Quality Report
Ulysses's drinking water received a grade of F (41 out of 100), indicating failing water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 640 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 7.0 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 864 violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 124 remain unresolved.
What to know about Ulysses's water
Ulysses ranks #445 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it among the lowest-rated in the state.
Ulysses 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, Ulysses may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
The system has seen 42 violations in the past five years, suggesting a pattern of compliance challenges that residents should monitor closely.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Ulysses, PA water safe to drink?
Ulysses's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of F (41/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 640 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Ulysses
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Ulysses's water quality assessment. Grade: F (41/100).
Contaminants: Public Notice.
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Groundwater 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 Ulysses'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.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Ulysses's water system has 864 total violations on record, including 16 health-based violations. 124 remain unresolved. 42 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Potter County has experienced 7 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.
Where does Ulysses's water come from?
Ulysses's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 640 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate.
What Ulysses residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Ulysses'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.
Ulysses'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
Potter County has experienced 7 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 Ulysses'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. | 7.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 5.36 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 7.0 ppb (1993)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Ulysses compares by contaminant
Explore where Ulysses ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Ulysses's water comes from
Ulysses'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 640 people through 1 water system.
Water systems serving Ulysses
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ULYSSES MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY | PA6530006 | 640 | GW |
How Ulysses compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Ulysses's score of 41/100 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 Ulysses, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Ulysses's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Potter
Frequently asked questions
Is Ulysses, PA tap water safe to drink?
Ulysses's water quality earned a grade of F (41/100). Significant issues have been found. A water filter is strongly recommended. The city ranks #445 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Ulysses's water?
Lead was measured at 7.0 ppb (90th percentile). 864 violations are on record.
How is Ulysses'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 Ulysses?
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 Ulysses's water come from?
Ulysses's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 640 residents.
What health violations has Ulysses's water system had?
Ulysses has 16 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in December 2024. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 124 violations remain unresolved.
Is Ulysses's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Ulysses 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 864 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 Ulysses's water compare to other cities?
Ulysses ranks #445 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 21% of state cities) and #15086 out of 15744 cities nationally (4th percentile). The grade of F reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Ulysses's small water system affect quality?
Ulysses's system serves approximately 640 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 864 violations on record.