Is Youngstown, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B+, with 10 unresolved violations on record. See what was cited — and what it means for your tap. What to do next ↓
80.3/100
waterverge.com Youngstown, PA — Water Quality Report
Youngstown's drinking water received a grade of B+ (80.3 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,730 residents using purchased surface water.
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 32 violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved.
What to know about Youngstown's water
Youngstown ranks #83 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above 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.
As a small community water system, Youngstown may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Youngstown, PA water safe to drink?
Youngstown's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B+ (80.3/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 2,730 residents using surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs).
Recent water quality updates for Youngstown
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Youngstown's water quality assessment. Grade: B+ (80.3/100).
Contaminants: TTHM, Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5).
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3235). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Youngstown's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Violation history
Youngstown's water system has 32 total violations on record, including 0 health-based violations. 10 remain unresolved. 5 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Westmoreland County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1971. 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 Linn Run At Linn Run State Park Near Rector, Loyalhanna Creek At Kingston, Loyalhanna Creek At Latrobe.
Where does Youngstown's water come from?
Youngstown's drinking water comes from surface water (rivers, lakes, or reservoirs), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 2,730 people. Surface water sources are more susceptible to contamination from runoff, industrial discharge, and algal blooms, requiring extensive treatment. Nearby water bodies include Linn Run At Linn Run State Park Near Rector (river), Loyalhanna Creek At Kingston (river), Loyalhanna Creek At Latrobe (river).
What Youngstown residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Youngstown'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.
Youngstown'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 Youngstown
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Youngstown, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 280 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
LATROBE SPECIALTY METALS LATROBE, PA15650 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 258 | 1.6 mi |
LEHIGH SPECIALTY MELTING INC LATROBE, PA15650 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 12 | 2.2 mi |
ATI FLAT ROLLED PRODUCTS LLC-LATROBE PLANT LATROBE, PA15650 | Manganese And Manganese Compounds | 10 | 3.4 mi |
MOORE & MORFORD INC. GREENSBURG, PA15601 | — | — | 9.5 mi |
PIAD PRECISION CASTING CORP GREENSBURG, PA15601 | — | — | 6.9 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Flood & disaster history
Westmoreland County has experienced 9 federally declared disasters since 1971. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
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 |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
See how Youngstown compares by contaminant
Explore where Youngstown ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Youngstown's water comes from
Youngstown'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 2,730 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Youngstown
Youngstown is located near 3 notable water bodies. As a surface water system, these water bodies may directly influence the city's drinking water supply.
Water systems serving Youngstown
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| YOUNGSTOWN BORO MUNI AUTH | PA5650081 | 2,730 | SWP |
How Youngstown compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Youngstown's score of 80.3/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 9 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Youngstown, PA
Wikipedia →Youngstown is a borough in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, United States. Youngstown was incorporated on April 2, 1831. As of the 2020 census, Youngstown had a population of 252. The borough has its own post office, with zip code 15696, established on April 1, 1813.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Youngstown's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Westmoreland
Frequently asked questions
Is Youngstown, PA tap water safe to drink?
Youngstown's water quality earned a grade of B+ (80.3/100). The water generally meets EPA standards and is considered safe for consumption. The city ranks #83 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Youngstown's water?
Lead was measured at 0.0 ppb (90th percentile). 32 violations are on record.
How is Youngstown'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 Youngstown?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Youngstown's water come from?
Youngstown's water is sourced from Purchased surface water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 2,730 residents.
How does Youngstown's water compare to other cities?
Youngstown ranks #83 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 85% of state cities) and #7918 out of 15744 cities nationally (50th percentile). The grade of B+ reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Youngstown's small water system affect quality?
Youngstown's system serves approximately 2,730 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 32 violations on record.