F0/100

Polk Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)

Serving 1,058 residents · Pennsylvania

What's In Polk's Tap Water?

Water Utility

Contaminants Tested

Exceed EPA Limits

Above EPA Goals

1 contaminant above EPA health goals

Contaminant	Detected	Limit (MCL)	Goal (MCLG)	Status
Lead (90th percentile)	0.140 mg/L	0.015 mg/L	0 mg/L	Over Limit

EPA Violation History

Violations (last 5yr)

Unresolved

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: October 12, 2025 – December 9, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 1 — URGENTResolved

Maximum Contaminant Level Violation

When: September 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: August 11, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: August 10, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: July 11, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: July 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2025 – August 31, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: May 11, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: May 1, 2025 – July 31, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: April 11, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: April 1, 2025 – June 30, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: March 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 10, 2025 – March 21, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: January 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: November 10, 2024 – March 21, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: September 11, 2024 – March 21, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Treatment Technique Violation

When: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: May 11, 2024 – March 21, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: May 1, 2024 – July 31, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: January 11, 2024 – February 21, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Unresolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Enforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Resolved

Failed to complete routine monitoring

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: November 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Surface water treatment technique failure

When: October 1, 2023 – January 4, 2024Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 2Unresolved

Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)

When: October 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov

TIER 3Resolved

Monitoring Violation

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: August 1, 2023 – August 31, 2023Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – September 20, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – September 20, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – September 20, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – September 20, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – September 20, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – September 20, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – September 20, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – September 20, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – September 20, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – September 20, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – September 20, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – September 20, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – September 20, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – September 20, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2023 – September 20, 2023Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: September 1, 2022 – November 30, 2022Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: June 1, 2022 – August 31, 2022Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Failed Level 2 Assessment under Revised Total Coliform Rule

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: May 1, 2022 – July 31, 2022Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Missed required monitoring deadline

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: March 1, 2022 – March 31, 2022Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

TIER 3Resolved

Exceeded the MCL for disinfection byproducts

This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.

When: January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Enforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway

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

POLK CENTER

Population Served

1,058

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

PA6610010

Frequently Asked Questions About Polk Water

Is Polk tap water safe to drink?

Polk, Pennsylvania tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 267 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Polk's water?

Of the 1 contaminants tested in Polk'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 Polk have any water quality violations?

Yes, Polk has 267 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, MCL, MR. 19 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Polk?

Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Polk 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 Polk's tap water come from?

Polk's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by POLK CENTER. The system serves approximately 1,058 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

How often is Polk'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. Polk'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 Polk's water compare to other cities in Pennsylvania?

Polk's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. This is a concerning score that suggests significant water quality issues. Visit our Pennsylvania state page to see how all cities in the state compare.

What should I do if I'm concerned about Polk's water quality?

If you have concerns about Polk'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 (POLK CENTER) 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.

Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania

PhiladelphiaF Bryn MawrD PittsburghC McmurrayB GreensburgD