D36/100

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

Serving 6,763 residents · Pennsylvania

What's In Towanda's Tap Water?

31
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.008 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

22

Violations (last 5yr)

0

Unresolved

2

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

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

When: September 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
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: September 1, 2025 – September 30, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

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

When: July 1, 2025 – July 31, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

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

When: December 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: 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: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 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: October 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024Rule: Stage 2 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: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 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: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 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: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

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

When: April 1, 2024 – April 30, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: 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: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

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

When: March 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 13, 2024 – April 15, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: February 13, 2024 – April 15, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Failed treatment technique requirements

When: February 1, 2024 – February 29, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved

Failed treatment technique requirements

When: February 1, 2024 – February 29, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: October 11, 2022 – November 30, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: October 11, 2022 – November 30, 2022Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: 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: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Stage 2 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: October 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021Rule: Stage 2 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: July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021Rule: Stage 2 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: July 1, 2021 – September 30, 2021Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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

TOWANDA MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY
Population Served

5,000

Water Source

Groundwater Under Influence of Surface Water

System ID

PA2080029

WYSOX TWP MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY
Population Served

1,763

Water Source

Purchased Surface Water

System ID

PA2080030

Frequently Asked Questions About Towanda Water

Is Towanda tap water safe to drink?

Towanda, Pennsylvania tap water receives a grade of D (36/100), which is considered poor. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 316 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Towanda's water?

Of the 31 contaminants tested in Towanda'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 Towanda have any water quality violations?

Yes, Towanda has 316 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, Other, TT. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Towanda?

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

Towanda's drinking water is sourced from groundwater under influence of surface water and supplied by TOWANDA MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 6,763 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

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

Towanda's water quality score of 36/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. 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 Towanda's water quality?

If you have concerns about Towanda'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 (TOWANDA MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY) 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.

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