Is Waymart, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
78.8/100
Waymart, PA — Water Quality Report
Waymart's drinking water received a grade of B (78.8 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 845 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 9 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved.
What to know about Waymart's water
Waymart ranks #102 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Waymart 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.
As a small community water system, Waymart may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Waymart, PA water safe to drink?
Waymart's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.8/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 845 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Waymart
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Waymart's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.8/100).
Contaminants: LEAD AND COPPER RULE REVISIONS.
Contaminants: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
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 Waymart's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Waymart's water system has 9 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 7 remain unresolved. 2 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Wayne 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 West Branch Lackawaxen River Near Aldenville, Prompton Reservoir At Prompton, West Branch Lackawaxen River At Prompton, Dyberry Creek At Tanners Falls Near Dyberry, General Edgar Jadwin Reservoir Near Honesdale.
Where does Waymart's water come from?
Waymart's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 845 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include West Branch Lackawaxen River Near Aldenville (river), Prompton Reservoir At Prompton (lake), West Branch Lackawaxen River At Prompton (river), Dyberry Creek At Tanners Falls Near Dyberry (river), General Edgar Jadwin Reservoir Near Honesdale (lake).
What Waymart residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Waymart'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.
Waymart'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 Waymart
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Waymart, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
FXI INC. - ARCHBALD ARCHBALD, PA18403 | — | — | 9.8 mi |
GENTEX CORP SIMPSON, PA18407 | — | — | 6.8 mi |
NOVAE LLC CARBONDALE, PA18407 | — | — | 4.8 mi |
US PENITENTIARY CANAAN WAYMART, PA18472 | — | — | 0.3 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Wayne 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 Waymart'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. | 0.0 | 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. | 1.35 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level (90th percentile)
Latest reading: 0.0 ppb (2024)
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Waymart compares by contaminant
Explore where Waymart ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Waymart's water comes from
Waymart'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 private ownership and serves approximately 845 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Waymart
Waymart is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Waymart
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRESQUE ISLE HARBOR WATER CO. | MI0005575 | 845 | GW |
How Waymart compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Waymart's score of 78.8/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Waymart, PA
Wikipedia →Waymart is a borough in Wayne County, Pennsylvania, United States. Waymart is a small town in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania known for its railroading history, Coal Country roots, and outdoor recreation. As of the 2020 census, Waymart had a population of 1,297.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Waymart's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Presque Isle
Frequently asked questions
Is Waymart, PA tap water safe to drink?
Waymart's water quality earned a grade of B (78.8/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #102 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Waymart's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 9 violations are on record.
How is Waymart'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 Waymart?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Waymart's water come from?
Waymart's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 845 residents.
Is Waymart's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Waymart 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 9 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 Waymart's water compare to other cities?
Waymart ranks #102 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 82% of state cities) and #8520 out of 15744 cities nationally (46th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Waymart's small water system affect quality?
Waymart's system serves approximately 845 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 9 violations on record.