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Nitrate Contamination

Nitrate in Pennsylvania Drinking Water

Ranked by nitrate violation count · Data from EPA SDWIS & UCMR

472
Cities Tested
472
Has Violations
100%
% Has Violations
12.1 violations
State Avg
▼ 0% vs national
vs National
486
Health Violations
Analysis

Nitrate in Pennsylvania: what the data shows

Pennsylvania has 472 cities with nitrate-related violations. The EPA MCL for nitrate is 10 mg/L (measured as nitrogen). The state has 472 cities with at least one nitrate violation. Nitrate is the most common groundwater contaminant in the United States. It enters water supplies primarily through agricultural fertilizer runoff, septic system leaching, and animal feedlot operations. Rural and agricultural communities face the highest risk. The primary acute health concern is methemoglobinemia ("blue baby syndrome") in infants under six months. Emerging research also links chronic nitrate exposure to thyroid disease, certain cancers, and adverse birth outcomes. Reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and distillation can remove nitrate from drinking water — standard carbon filters do not.

Comparison

Cities exceeding 10 mg/L EPA MCL

Pennsylvania
100%
472 of 472 cities
← = Exactly at national rate
National avg
100%
7727 of 7727 cities
City Map

Nitrate data across Pennsylvania

Each dot is a city with nitrate violation data. Cities with at least one nitrate-related violation are highlighted. Size reflects population served.

Worst Offenders

Top 10 cities by nitrate level in Pennsylvania

Highest Nitrate levels (violations)

  1. 1 F Morgantown 183 violations Yes 12K
  2. 2 F Elizabethtown 155 violations Yes 24K
  3. 3 F White Haven 114 violations Yes 36K
  4. 4 F Tunkhannock 79 violations Yes 6K
  5. 5 F Moscow 76 violations Yes 2K
  6. 6 F York 74 violations Yes 223K
  7. 7 F Norristown 70 violations Yes 99K
  8. 8 F Lititz 66 violations Yes 22K
  9. 9 F Northampton 62 violations Yes 41K
  10. 10 F Greencastle 56 violations Yes 7K
All Cities

All Pennsylvania cities ranked by nitrate level

# City Level Level Violations? Violations Grade
1 Morgantown 183 violations
Yes 145
F
2 Elizabethtown 155 violations
Yes 87
F
3 White Haven 114 violations
Yes 44
F
4 Tunkhannock 79 violations
Yes 21
F
5 Moscow 76 violations
Yes 62
F
6 York 74 violations
Yes 34
F
7 Norristown 70 violations
Yes 23
F
8 Lititz 66 violations
Yes 73
F
9 Northampton 62 violations
Yes 45
F
10 Greencastle 56 violations
Yes 39
F
11 Lemoyne 55 violations
Yes 43
F
12 Fairview 50 violations
Yes 27
F
13 Bryn Mawr 48 violations
Yes 36
F
14 Lancaster 47 violations
Yes 68
F
15 Landisburg 47 violations
Yes 34
F
16 Lake Ariel 46 violations
Yes 66
D
17 Loganton 45 violations
Yes 10
F
18 Coatesville 44 violations
Yes 61
F
19 Allentown 43 violations
Yes 66
F
20 North Wales 43 violations
Yes 22
F
21 Shamokin 43 violations
Yes 18
F
22 Columbia 43 violations
Yes 46
F
23 Erie 41 violations
Yes 35
D
24 Manheim 41 violations
Yes 20
F
25 Saylorsburg 41 violations
Yes 47
F
26 New Enterprise 41 violations
Yes 17
C
27 Harrisburg 40 violations
Yes 26
F
28 East Earl 40 violations
Yes 31
D+
29 Milton 39 violations
Yes 15
F
30 Selinsgrove 38 violations
Yes 4
F
31 Kennett Square 38 violations
Yes 10
F
32 Berwick 37 violations
Yes 7
F
33 Meadville 36 violations
Yes 21
F
34 Indiana 36 violations
Yes 140
F
35 Honesdale 36 violations
Yes 41
F
36 Spring Mills 36 violations
Yes 10
F
37 Milford 35 violations
Yes 29
F
38 Bethlehem 34 violations
Yes 29
F
39 Oxford 34 violations
Yes 33
F
40 Stewartstown 33 violations
Yes 6
D
41 Newtown 32 violations
Yes 25
F
42 Drums 32 violations
Yes 11
D
43 Mercersburg 31 violations
Yes 34
F
44 Penns Creek 31 violations
Yes 1
F
45 Pottstown 30 violations
Yes 29
F
46 Gettysburg 30 violations
Yes 37
F
47 Ulysses 30 violations
Yes 16
F
48 Strasburg 29 violations
Yes 25
D+
49 Reading 28 violations
Yes 91
F
50 Muncy 28 violations
Yes 13
F
51 East Berlin 28 violations
Yes 5
F
52 Gap 28 violations
Yes 16
F
53 Howard 27 violations
Yes 2
D+
54 Doylestown 26 violations
Yes 4
D
55 Kutztown 26 violations
Yes 21
F
56 Mifflinburg 26 violations
Yes 3
D
57 Dallas 26 violations
Yes 2
F
58 Greentown 26 violations
Yes 35
F
59 Carlisle 25 violations
Yes 13
F
60 Ephrata 25 violations
Yes 21
C
61 Leola 25 violations
Yes 6
B-
62 Deerpark (T) 25 violations
Yes 14
D
63 Ambler 24 violations
Yes 4
F
64 Coudersport 24 violations
Yes 3
F
65 Girard 24 violations
Yes 5
D
66 Duncannon 24 violations
Yes 22
F
67 Gray 24 violations
Yes 5
F
68 Shippensburg 23 violations
Yes 11
D
69 Mifflintown 23 violations
Yes 15
F
70 Chambersburg 22 violations
Yes 49
F
71 Dover 22 violations
Yes 16
F
72 Somerset 22 violations
Yes 10
F
73 Fleetwood 22 violations
Yes 12
D
74 Annville 22 violations
Yes 8
F
75 Mc Connellsburg 22 violations
Yes 0
F
76 Olyphant 22 violations
Yes 71
F
77 East Stroudsburg 21 violations
Yes 74
F
78 Williamsport 21 violations
Yes 19
F
79 Montoursville 21 violations
Yes 10
F
80 Ligonier 21 violations
Yes 12
F
81 Cochranton 21 violations
Yes 10
F
82 Roulette 21 violations
Yes 7
F
83 Freeburg 21 violations
Yes 18
C-
84 Parkesburg 21 violations
Yes 13
F
85 Blairsville 20 violations
Yes 22
F
86 East Greenville 20 violations
Yes 9
F
87 West Chester 20 violations
Yes 8
F
88 Mechanicsburg 19 violations
Yes 13
F
89 Bellefonte 19 violations
Yes 11
F
90 Towanda 19 violations
Yes 7
F
91 New Freedom 19 violations
Yes 5
C+
92 Parker 19 violations
Yes 40
F
93 Greensburg 18 violations
Yes 19
D
94 Nicholson 18 violations
Yes 3
F
95 Jennerstown 18 violations
Yes 2
C+
96 Scranton 17 violations
Yes 15
F
97 Spring City 17 violations
Yes 2
B+
98 Bushkill 17 violations
Yes 9
F
99 Waynesboro 17 violations
Yes 7
D
100 Buckingham 17 violations
Yes 0
F
101 Jersey Shore 17 violations
Yes 24
D
102 Bedford 17 violations
Yes 50
F
103 Myerstown 16 violations
Yes 6
C-
104 Walnutport 16 violations
Yes 11
F
105 Shavertown 16 violations
Yes 6
F
106 Hamlin 16 violations
Yes 10
F
107 Carrolltown 16 violations
Yes 6
F
108 Butler 16 violations
Yes 2
F
109 Narvon 16 violations
Yes 20
F
110 Lebanon 15 violations
Yes 8
F
111 Denver 15 violations
Yes 4
C-
112 Middletown 15 violations
Yes 4
C-
113 Trappe 15 violations
Yes 7
B-
114 Mansfield 15 violations
Yes 43
D
115 Leesport 15 violations
Yes 15
D+
116 Littlestown 14 violations
Yes 3
F
117 Freeland 14 violations
Yes 5
D
118 Martinsburg 14 violations
Yes 5
C+
119 Roaring Spring 14 violations
Yes 5
B
120 Midland 14 violations
Yes 39
F
121 Troy 14 violations
Yes 3
F
122 Sheffield 14 violations
Yes 4
C+
123 Avondale 14 violations
Yes 0
C+
124 Tannersville 14 violations
Yes 13
F
125 Sharon 13 violations
Yes 26
F
126 Franklin 13 violations
Yes 12
F
127 Mill Hall 13 violations
Yes 29
F
128 Hamburg 13 violations
Yes 7
C
129 Shrewsbury 13 violations
Yes 4
C-
130 Elverson 13 violations
Yes 9
F
131 Arendtsville 13 violations
Yes 1
B
132 Foxburg 13 violations
Yes 1
F
133 Wyalusing 13 violations
Yes 0
C+
134 Linden 13 violations
Yes 1
F
135 Easton 12 violations
Yes 37
F
136 Tobyhanna 12 violations
Yes 10
F
137 Beaver 12 violations
Yes 0
F
138 Tyrone 12 violations
Yes 6
F
139 East Petersburg 12 violations
Yes 9
B
140 Quarryville 12 violations
Yes 16
D
141 Renovo 12 violations
Yes 13
F
142 Smethport 12 violations
Yes 5
F
143 Mont Alto 12 violations
Yes 1
C
144 Linesville 12 violations
Yes 3
B
145 Thompsontown 12 violations
Yes 3
F
146 Lakeville 12 violations
Yes 8
F
147 Lawrenceville 12 violations
Yes 2
D
148 Pittsburgh 11 violations
Yes 44
F
149 Richboro 11 violations
Yes 2
F
150 Huntingdon 11 violations
Yes 14
B-
151 Hughesville 11 violations
Yes 2
F
152 Biglerville 11 violations
Yes 2
A-
153 Oley 11 violations
Yes 2
B-
154 Commodore 11 violations
Yes 15
F
155 Jamestown 11 violations
Yes 7
D+
156 Johnstown 10 violations
Yes 55
D
157 State College 10 violations
Yes 3
D
158 Downingtown 10 violations
Yes 18
C-
159 Hollidaysburg 10 violations
Yes 16
D
160 Sarver 10 violations
Yes 9
C+
161 Lykens 10 violations
Yes 19
F
162 Reinholds 10 violations
Yes 0
B+
163 Johnsonburg 10 violations
Yes 21
F
164 Halifax 10 violations
Yes 5
C-
165 Beech Creek 10 violations
Yes 0
F
166 Atglen 10 violations
Yes 1
B+
167 Conneaut Lake 10 violations
Yes 20
F
168 South Mountain 10 violations
Yes 10
F
169 Berwyn 10 violations
Yes 9
D
170 Lansdale 9 violations
Yes 22
F
171 Mount Joy 9 violations
Yes 8
B+
172 Greenville 9 violations
Yes 22
D
173 Indian Head 9 violations
Yes 0
D
174 Camp Hill 9 violations
Yes 18
F
175 Conyngham 9 violations
Yes 1
F
176 Matamoras 9 violations
Yes 1
D
177 Elkland 9 violations
Yes 4
D+
178 Richlandtown 9 violations
Yes 38
C+
179 Stroudsburg 9 violations
Yes 32
F
180 Schaefferstown 9 violations
Yes 5
A
181 Millville 9 violations
Yes 4
F
182 Beavertown 9 violations
Yes 2
D
183 Quentin 9 violations
Yes 1
B
184 Hidden Valley 9 violations
Yes 1
B
185 Altoona 8 violations
Yes 64
F
186 Bloomsburg 8 violations
Yes 6
F
187 Philipsburg 8 violations
Yes 1
C
188 Sellersville 8 violations
Yes 9
F
189 Dubois 8 violations
Yes 18
F
190 Sunbury 8 violations
Yes 6
C-
191 Millersville 8 violations
Yes 2
C
192 Corry 8 violations
Yes 7
D
193 West Grove 8 violations
Yes 6
F
194 New Holland 8 violations
Yes 11
C
195 Tower City 8 violations
Yes 1
C-
196 Farmington 8 violations
Yes 4
D+
197 Weedville 8 violations
Yes 6
F
198 Polk 8 violations
Yes 21
F
199 Mount Gretna 8 violations
Yes 4
F
200 Torrance 8 violations
Yes 6
C-
201 Liverpool 8 violations
Yes 14
B-
202 Millheim 8 violations
Yes 4
D
203 Summerville 8 violations
Yes 0
F
204 Knoxville 8 violations
Yes 13
C
205 Meshoppen 8 violations
Yes 2
F
206 Ulster 8 violations
Yes 5
F
207 New Castle 7 violations
Yes 12
F
208 Warrington 7 violations
Yes 34
F
209 Aliquippa 7 violations
Yes 9
F
210 Ford City 7 violations
Yes 4
C
211 Newmanstown 7 violations
Yes 2
C+
212 Ebensburg 7 violations
Yes 39
D
213 Davidsville 7 violations
Yes 2
D
214 Ridgway 7 violations
Yes 30
C
215 Mount Union 7 violations
Yes 52
F
216 Brockway 7 violations
Yes 3
D
217 Brownstown 7 violations
Yes 14
B+
218 Mingoville 7 violations
Yes 1
C
219 Newport 7 violations
Yes 6
F
220 Milesburg 7 violations
Yes 1
C
221 Port Allegany 7 violations
Yes 3
D
222 Topton 7 violations
Yes 4
C-
223 Saxton 7 violations
Yes 5
F
224 Galeton 7 violations
Yes 2
F
225 New Bloomfield 7 violations
Yes 3
F
226 New Milford 7 violations
Yes 3
D
227 Delaware Water Gap 7 violations
Yes 4
D
228 Warriors Mark 7 violations
Yes 0
B
229 Austin 7 violations
Yes 3
F
230 Springtown 7 violations
Yes 4
C-
231 Susquehanna 7 violations
Yes 1
C
232 Shermans Dale 7 violations
Yes 14
C-
233 Aaronsburg 7 violations
Yes 0
F
234 Pottsville 6 violations
Yes 13
C-
235 Horsham 6 violations
Yes 1
F
236 Phoenixville 6 violations
Yes 13
C
237 North East 6 violations
Yes 11
D
238 Palmerton 6 violations
Yes 2
C-
239 Portage 6 violations
Yes 7
F
240 Cresson 6 violations
Yes 2
C
241 Tarentum 6 violations
Yes 7
D
242 Honey Brook 6 violations
Yes 3
F
243 Weatherly 6 violations
Yes 3
D
244 New Hope 6 violations
Yes 6
F
245 Port Matilda 6 violations
Yes 1
C+
246 Richland 6 violations
Yes 0
B-
247 Delta 6 violations
Yes 1
B
248 Lilly 6 violations
Yes 1
C
249 Knox 6 violations
Yes 0
A-
250 Bainbridge 6 violations
Yes 2
B
251 Shinglehouse 6 violations
Yes 0
F
252 Cabot 6 violations
Yes 2
C+
253 Hyndman 6 violations
Yes 3
B
254 Bowmanstown 6 violations
Yes 0
C
255 Aspers 6 violations
Yes 3
A-
256 Gratz 6 violations
Yes 2
D+
257 Osterburg 6 violations
Yes 4
F
258 Lyon Station 6 violations
Yes 2
B-
259 University Park 5 violations
Yes 0
C
260 Latrobe 5 violations
Yes 4
B-
261 Landisville 5 violations
Yes 2
B-
262 Bradford 5 violations
Yes 6
C+
263 Southampton 5 violations
Yes 9
D
264 Sayre 5 violations
Yes 6
C-
265 Grove City 5 violations
Yes 4
C+
266 St Thomas 5 violations
Yes 6
B
267 Lehighton 5 violations
Yes 53
F
268 Wellsboro 5 violations
Yes 12
D
269 Wernersville 5 violations
Yes 1
B-
270 Blandon 5 violations
Yes 0
B+
271 Cheswick 5 violations
Yes 6
B
272 Duncansville 5 violations
Yes 5
D
273 Industry 5 violations
Yes 24
D+
274 Cambridge Springs 5 violations
Yes 21
F
275 Elizabethville 5 violations
Yes 0
A-
276 Royersford 5 violations
Yes 5
C-
277 Glen Rock 5 violations
Yes 2
B+
278 Blossburg 5 violations
Yes 0
C-
279 Middleburg 5 violations
Yes 5
C+
280 Hawthorn 5 violations
Yes 12
D
281 Sipesville 5 violations
Yes 3
B-
282 Rockwood 5 violations
Yes 0
C
283 Mc Alisterville 5 violations
Yes 4
F
284 Beaver Springs 5 violations
Yes 0
C+
285 Orefield 5 violations
Yes 1
B
286 Mapleton 5 violations
Yes 8
F
287 Kunkletown 5 violations
Yes 7
F
288 Frederick 5 violations
Yes 1
B+
289 Levittown 4 violations
Yes 4
B
290 Beaver Falls 4 violations
Yes 22
F
291 Charleroi 4 violations
Yes 25
C-
292 Quakertown 4 violations
Yes 12
F
293 Jamison 4 violations
Yes 1
B+
294 Morrisville 4 violations
Yes 39
D
295 Boiling Springs 4 violations
Yes 5
C+
296 Houtzdale 4 violations
Yes 9
B+
297 Catasauqua 4 violations
Yes 2
B
298 Derry 4 violations
Yes 1
B
299 Monaca 4 violations
Yes 4
B-
300 Seneca 4 violations
Yes 0
A-
301 Akron 4 violations
Yes 3
B+
302 Point Marion 4 violations
Yes 61
F
303 Irvona 4 violations
Yes 5
C-
304 Masontown 4 violations
Yes 10
B
305 Bath 4 violations
Yes 4
F
306 Mt Holly Springs 4 violations
Yes 2
B
307 Central City 4 violations
Yes 32
B
308 Nanty Glo 4 violations
Yes 19
B-
309 Gallitzin 4 violations
Yes 7
F
310 Montgomery 4 violations
Yes 6
D+
311 Mercer 4 violations
Yes 3
D
312 Dublin 4 violations
Yes 2
F
313 Williamstown 4 violations
Yes 0
C-
314 Canton 4 violations
Yes 0
B-
315 Intercourse 4 violations
Yes 1
C
316 Luthersburg 4 violations
Yes 1
D
317 Westfield 4 violations
Yes 3
C+
318 Fredericksburg 4 violations
Yes 2
B+
319 Christiana 4 violations
Yes 8
D+
320 Bessemer 4 violations
Yes 3
B+
321 Portland 4 violations
Yes 5
B
322 York Springs 4 violations
Yes 0
A-
323 Pennsylvania Furnace 4 violations
Yes 9
D
324 Stoneboro 4 violations
Yes 1
B
325 Port Royal 4 violations
Yes 0
D
326 Wood 4 violations
Yes 4
F
327 Petersburg 4 violations
Yes 3
F
328 Confluence 4 violations
Yes 33
F
329 Russell 4 violations
Yes 7
B
330 Rouseville 4 violations
Yes 2
F
331 Hazleton 3 violations
Yes 6
D+
332 Cranberry Twp 3 violations
Yes 2
B+
333 Warminster 3 violations
Yes 1
D
334 Milroy 3 violations
Yes 2
B
335 Ambridge 3 violations
Yes 19
F
336 Saint Marys 3 violations
Yes 10
B-
337 Slippery Rock 3 violations
Yes 8
F
338 Red Lion 3 violations
Yes 0
C+
339 Fredericktown 3 violations
Yes 85
F
340 Lock Haven 3 violations
Yes 8
C
341 Center Valley 3 violations
Yes 6
D
342 Pipersville 3 violations
Yes 13
F
343 Sharpsville 3 violations
Yes 62
B-
344 Schwenksville 3 violations
Yes 3
B-
345 Curwensville 3 violations
Yes 20
D+
346 Ashland 3 violations
Yes 1
C
347 Wrightsville 3 violations
Yes 19
B
348 Boswell 3 violations
Yes 4
B
349 Auburn 3 violations
Yes 6
D
350 Bellwood 3 violations
Yes 1
A-
351 Bally 3 violations
Yes 0
C+
352 Hastings 3 violations
Yes 0
B
353 Newville 3 violations
Yes 3
B
354 Youngsville 3 violations
Yes 0
B
355 Patton 3 violations
Yes 43
D+
356 Adamstown 3 violations
Yes 2
B+
357 Loysburg 3 violations
Yes 3
B-
358 Shamokin Dam 3 violations
Yes 3
B
359 Waterford 3 violations
Yes 7
D+
360 Falls Creek 3 violations
Yes 27
D+
361 Chicora 3 violations
Yes 2
D+
362 East Bangor 3 violations
Yes 1
B-
363 Orbisonia 3 violations
Yes 2
B
364 Delaware (T) 3 violations
Yes 1
B+
365 Trumbauersville 3 violations
Yes 18
F
366 Bernville 3 violations
Yes 2
A
367 Richfield 3 violations
Yes 1
B-
368 New Berlin 3 violations
Yes 0
A-
369 Kreamer 3 violations
Yes 0
B-
370 Riegelsville 3 violations
Yes 4
F
371 Buck Hill Falls 3 violations
Yes 2
B
372 Eldred 3 violations
Yes 2
B-
373 Wampum 3 violations
Yes 4
B-
374 Mexico 3 violations
Yes 12
D+
375 Fishertown 3 violations
Yes 2
B+
376 Etters 3 violations
Yes 4
B
377 Orangeville 3 violations
Yes 2
D+
378 Clintonville 3 violations
Yes 4
D+
379 Kennerdell 3 violations
Yes 1
F
380 Philadelphia 2 violations
Yes 14
B
381 New Kensington 2 violations
Yes 0
A
382 Dunbar 2 violations
Yes 12
B+
383 Clarks Summit 2 violations
Yes 6
C-
384 Belle Vernon 2 violations
Yes 13
D
385 Emmaus 2 violations
Yes 16
C+
386 Whitehall 2 violations
Yes 32
B+
387 Windber 2 violations
Yes 0
B-
388 Sewickley 2 violations
Yes 2
C+
389 Lords Valley 2 violations
Yes 10
F
390 Edinboro 2 violations
Yes 10
D
391 Dillsburg 2 violations
Yes 1
B+
392 Boyertown 2 violations
Yes 6
B+
393 Tamaqua 2 violations
Yes 9
C-
394 Harmony 2 violations
Yes 15
B
395 Brookville 2 violations
Yes 3
A-
396 Hellertown 2 violations
Yes 0
C
397 Millersburg 2 violations
Yes 2
B
398 Dilliner 2 violations
Yes 12
D+
399 Zelienople 2 violations
Yes 3
C-
400 New Oxford 2 violations
Yes 9
B-
401 Springdale 2 violations
Yes 35
A-
402 Flinton 2 violations
Yes 4
C+
403 Reynoldsville 2 violations
Yes 9
F
404 New Bethlehem 2 violations
Yes 11
B
405 Macungie 2 violations
Yes 1
B+
406 Claysburg 2 violations
Yes 2
D+
407 Markleysburg 2 violations
Yes 1
B-
408 Everett 2 violations
Yes 0
C+
409 Meyersdale 2 violations
Yes 8
F
410 Loretto 2 violations
Yes 0
C+
411 Alburtis 2 violations
Yes 0
A-
412 Evans City 2 violations
Yes 7
C-
413 Centre Hall 2 violations
Yes 1
C-
414 Elderton 2 violations
Yes 1
C+
415 Williamsburg 2 violations
Yes 1
B+
416 Clymer 2 violations
Yes 1
C+
417 Frenchville 2 violations
Yes 2
B-
418 Saegertown 2 violations
Yes 6
D+
419 Vanport 2 violations
Yes 0
A-
420 Benton 2 violations
Yes 1
D+
421 Windsor 2 violations
Yes 0
B+
422 Sandy Lake 2 violations
Yes 0
D
423 Tidioute 2 violations
Yes 20
D
424 Bendersville 2 violations
Yes 0
C-
425 Lahaska 2 violations
Yes 0
B-
426 Lewis Run 2 violations
Yes 1
B
427 Gifford 2 violations
Yes 2
F
428 Mcclure 2 violations
Yes 0
B
429 Alexandria 2 violations
Yes 4
C+
430 Franklintown 2 violations
Yes 0
A-
431 Tioga 2 violations
Yes 1
C+
432 Dayton 2 violations
Yes 2
B-
433 Newell 2 violations
Yes 7
B-
434 Chester 1 violations
Yes 0
B
435 Allison Park 1 violations
Yes 0
A
436 Oakmont 1 violations
Yes 0
A
437 Moon Township 1 violations
Yes 1
B
438 Yardley 1 violations
Yes 1
B+
439 Fairless Hills 1 violations
Yes 15
D+
440 Warren 1 violations
Yes 7
D
441 Oil City 1 violations
Yes 2
A
442 Adrian 1 violations
Yes 3
B+
443 Telford 1 violations
Yes 5
B
444 Titusville 1 violations
Yes 3
B-
445 Albion 1 violations
Yes 3
C+
446 Duquesne 1 violations
Yes 9
C+
447 Birdsboro 1 violations
Yes 15
C
448 Homer City 1 violations
Yes 0
A
449 Spinnerstown 1 violations
Yes 0
A-
450 Valley View 1 violations
Yes 1
B+
451 Brackenridge 1 violations
Yes 8
A-
452 Emporium 1 violations
Yes 32
D+
453 Kittanning 1 violations
Yes 0
C-
454 Union City 1 violations
Yes 36
D+
455 Lake City 1 violations
Yes 1
B+
456 Summit Hill 1 violations
Yes 1
B-
457 Pine Grove 1 violations
Yes 4
C
458 Worthington 1 violations
Yes 2
F
459 Catawissa 1 violations
Yes 0
A-
460 Delaware (T) 1 violations
Yes 1
A-
461 Colver 1 violations
Yes 7
B
462 Summerhill 1 violations
Yes 2
C+
463 Cairnbrook 1 violations
Yes 0
A-
464 Pleasantville 1 violations
Yes 3
D
465 Ringtown 1 violations
Yes 2
A-
466 North Warren 1 violations
Yes 1
B-
467 Alum Bank 1 violations
Yes 2
B+
468 Millerstown 1 violations
Yes 2
A-
469 Tionesta 1 violations
Yes 0
B-
470 Hooversville 1 violations
Yes 12
C
471 New Ringgold 1 violations
Yes 2
B
472 Deerpark (T) 1 violations
Yes 1
B-
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about nitrate in Pennsylvania

Is nitrate in Pennsylvania tap water dangerous?

Yes — 472 cities in Pennsylvania have nitrate-related violations. The EPA MCL is 10 mg/L. Nitrate is especially dangerous for infants under six months, where it can cause methemoglobinemia ("blue baby syndrome"). Adults face lower acute risk, but chronic exposure is linked to thyroid disease and certain cancers.

How can I remove nitrate from my drinking water?

Reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and distillation are effective at removing nitrate. Standard carbon filters (including most pitcher and faucet-mount filters) do NOT remove nitrate. If you rely on a private well in an agricultural area, have your water tested annually for nitrate.

What causes high nitrate levels in Pennsylvania water?

Nitrate contamination comes primarily from agricultural fertilizer runoff, septic system leaching, and animal feedlot operations. Rural communities near intensive farming are most at risk. Shallow wells are particularly vulnerable. Heavy rainfall can spike nitrate levels as it washes fertilizer into groundwater and surface water supplies.

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All states

Nitrate in drinking water by state

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming
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