C59/100
Oil City Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 11,443 residents · Pennsylvania
What's In Oil City's Tap Water?
66
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2014.
Understanding violation severity
Tier 1Urgent health risk. Utility must notify all customers within 24 hours.Tier 2Important health or treatment issue. Customers notified within 30 days.Tier 3Administrative or monitoring issue. Reported in the annual water quality report.
Source: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) · Updated quarterly
Water Utility Details
OIL CITY
Population Served
9,608
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
PA6610023
CORNPLANTER TOWNSHIP
Population Served
1,835
Water Source
Purchased Groundwater
System ID
PA6610035
Frequently Asked Questions About Oil City Water
Is Oil City tap water safe to drink?
Oil City, Pennsylvania tap water receives a grade of C (59/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 62 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Oil City's water?
Of the 66 contaminants tested in Oil City's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Oil City have any water quality violations?
Yes, Oil City has 62 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MR, MCL. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Oil City?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Oil City is recommended. 1 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Oil City's tap water come from?
Oil City's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by OIL CITY and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 11,443 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Oil City's water tested?
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), water utilities are required to regularly test for over 90 contaminants. Testing frequency varies by contaminant — some are tested monthly, others quarterly or annually. Oil City's water systems must report results to the EPA and publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). The data on this page reflects the latest available EPA testing data.
How does Oil City's water compare to other cities in Pennsylvania?
Oil City's water quality score of 59/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Pennsylvania state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Oil City's water quality?
If you have concerns about Oil City's tap water, consider these steps: (1) Request your utility's annual Consumer Confidence Report for detailed local data. (2) Get your water independently tested through a state-certified laboratory. (3) Consider an NSF-certified water filter rated for the contaminants found in your area. (4) Contact your water utility (OIL CITY) with specific questions. (5) Report water quality issues to your state drinking water program or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791.