Water system
Altoona Water Authority
What this means for you
- Is it safe to drink right now?
- Based on the latest EPA data, Altoona Water Authority has no unresolved health-based violations from the past year. Water that meets federal standards is generally considered safe to drink for most healthy people.
- Should I use a filter?
- Optional. Nothing in this data strongly calls for one. Many people still filter for chlorine taste and odor.
- What kind of filter?
- For taste and odor (chlorine/chloramine), an NSF/ANSI 42 pitcher or faucet filter is enough. See matched standards and product picks.
This is general information from public EPA data, not medical advice. Lead often comes from a home’s own pipes, so only a test of your tap can tell your exposure. If you are pregnant, caring for an infant, or have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor or health department.
PFAS (“forever chemicals”), EPA UCMR 5
No PFAS detected in any UCMR 5 sample.
5 PFAS tested and not detected
PFOA, PFOS, HFPO-DA, PFNA, PFHxS (16 samples each, below EPA minimum reporting levels).
Hazard Index (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, PFBS): 0 (limit 1.0, proposed for repeal).
Averages are per sampling location across UCMR 5 samples (non-detects counted as 0), approximating the rule’s running annual average. Not an official compliance determination; PFOA/PFOS MCL compliance begins April 26, 2029.
Lead and copper
Violations (last 5 years)
| Began | Type | Contaminant / rule | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-04-11 | Other paperwork/notice violation | Public Notice | Resolved |
| 2026-04-11 | Other paperwork/notice violation | Public Notice | Resolved |
| 2026-04-11 | Other paperwork/notice violation | Public Notice | Resolved |
| 2026-04-11 | Other paperwork/notice violation | Public Notice | Resolved |
| 2026-04-11 | Other paperwork/notice violation | Public Notice | Resolved |
| 2026-04-11 | Other paperwork/notice violation | Public Notice | Resolved |
| 2025-09-23 | Other paperwork/notice violation | Public Notice | Resolved |
| 2025-09-23 | Other paperwork/notice violation | Public Notice | Resolved |
| 2025-08-13 | Reporting problem | Revised Total Coliform Rule | Resolved |
| 2025-08-13 | Required treatment not done | Revised Total Coliform Rule | Resolved |
| 2025-08-13 | Required treatment not done | Revised Total Coliform Rule | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Bromate | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Bromate | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Bromate | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Bromate | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Bromate | Resolved |
| 2025-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | CARBON, TOTAL | Resolved |
| 2024-01-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | CARBON, TOTAL | Resolved |
| 2023-10-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Resolved |
| 2023-10-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | CARBON, TOTAL | Resolved |
| 2023-09-01 | Missed or late testing | Revised Total Coliform Rule | Resolved |
| 2022-10-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Thallium, Total | Resolved |
| 2022-07-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Thallium, Total | Resolved |
| 2022-07-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | TTHM | Resolved |
| 2022-07-01 | Missed or late testing/reporting | Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Resolved |
Filters matched to this water
Look for filters certified (NSF, IAPMO or WQA) to these standards for the specific contaminant. Buttons open the maker’s page or an Amazon search; use “Check NSF listing” to verify a model’s claims. No affiliate links yet — grades are never sold.
Coliform/E. coli
NSF/ANSI 55 Class A (UV)Boil water notice—follow utilityChlorine/chloramine taste
NSF/ANSI 42Annual water quality report
Utilities must publish a Consumer Confidence Report every year by July 1. Find it on the utility’s website or ask them directly; EPA explains how.