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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
Water quality scores for 4 cities in Pennsylvania
Mostly yes. None of the 4 Pennsylvania water systems we grade from EPA records has a health-based violation in the last five years, and the state averages 84/100 (4 below the national 88). Lead from a home's own plumbing is the risk city data cannot see.
Pennsylvania's official certified-lab list, when to test well vs city water, typical lab prices, and how to take a first-draw lead sample.
Across the 4 Pennsylvania water systems we can grade from EPA records, the average score is 84/100 — 4 points below the U.S. national average of 88/100. 50% of graded Pennsylvania cities (2 of 4) score above that national benchmark, and 2 earn a Grade A. None has a health-based EPA violation in the last five years.
The contaminants most commonly flagged in Pennsylvania water systems are lead (aging infrastructure), radium (groundwater in some regions) and trihalomethanes (disinfection byproducts). See the full breakdown in our Pennsylvania water quality rankings or compare against the cities with the best water quality in America.
See the top 20 cities with the cleanest, safest drinking water
Complete water quality rankings for every city in Pennsylvania
686,000 residents
220,001 residents
118,000 residents
1,600,000 residents
Pennsylvania's water quality reflects its industrial history and varied geography. From the Philadelphia area's sophisticated treatment systems to rural communities relying on small water systems and private wells, water quality varies considerably across the state. Legacy contamination from coal mining and manufacturing creates ongoing challenges in some regions.
Across the 4 Pennsylvania cities graded from EPA records, the average water quality score is 84/100. 1 city scores below 70 (D or F) because of health-based violations, lead results, PFAS or historical readings near a limit. The highest-rated city is Pittsburgh with a score of 100/100, while Philadelphia has the most room for improvement at 69/100.
1 of the 4 Pennsylvania cities we grade score below 70/100. If your city is one of them — or you just want extra protection — a certified filter is the fastest way to reduce exposure. The findings that drag a score down (lead, PFAS, arsenic, nitrate) are exactly the ones a basic carbon pitcher does not remove.
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Pennsylvania draws water from rivers including the Delaware, Susquehanna, and Ohio, as well as numerous reservoirs and groundwater sources. The Delaware River Basin serves Philadelphia and surrounding areas. Central and western Pennsylvania rely more heavily on groundwater. Private wells serve approximately 20% of the population.
These contaminants have been detected in various Pennsylvania water systems
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection manages drinking water programs. The state has been addressing lead contamination through testing programs and service line replacement initiatives. Pennsylvania has established notification requirements for PFAS detection and is working on comprehensive contamination remediation.
Lead in aging water infrastructure remains Pennsylvania's most significant water quality concern, particularly in older urban areas. Some regions face naturally occurring radium in groundwater. Areas near former industrial sites may have specific contamination concerns. Private well owners should test regularly for local contaminants.
Pennsylvania residents should determine if their home has lead service lines or older plumbing. Use cold water for drinking and cooking, as hot water leaches more lead from pipes. Consider NSF-certified filters for lead removal. Private well owners should test annually and after any flooding or nearby construction.
Most Pennsylvania cities we grade have tap water in good standing with EPA. With an average score of 84/100 across 4 graded cities, Pennsylvania generally has good water quality. However, water quality varies by utility, so check your specific city's report.
The most common water quality concerns in Pennsylvania include lead (aging infrastructure), radium (groundwater in some regions), trihalomethanes (disinfection byproducts). These contaminants can come from natural sources, industrial activities, or aging infrastructure. Review your city's specific report to see which contaminants affect your area.
Whether you need a water filter depends on your specific location and health concerns. With 1 Pennsylvania cities grading D or F on EPA records, residents in those areas may benefit from filtration. Look for filters certified by NSF/ANSI to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Public water systems in Pennsylvania are required to provide annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs) to residents. You can usually find your report on your water utility's website, request it by phone, or access it through the EPA's database. Our city-level reports above summarize key information from these official sources.
Lead can be present in Pennsylvania water, primarily from older plumbing infrastructure. Homes built before 1986 may have lead pipes or lead solder. While water treatment plants remove lead, it can leach into water from service lines and home plumbing. Check your city's specific report for lead testing data, and consider having your tap water tested if you live in an older home.
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water systems across the United States, including in Pennsylvania. These chemicals are associated with industrial sites, military bases, and firefighting foam use. The EPA has set new PFAS limits effective 2024. Check individual Pennsylvania city reports for PFAS testing results in your area.
On EPA records, Pittsburgh has the highest water quality score in Pennsylvania at 100/100 (Grade A). However, "best" depends on your specific health concerns. View our Best Water Quality in Pennsylvania page for a complete ranking.
Public water systems in Pennsylvania are required by the EPA to test water regularly. Testing frequency depends on the contaminant: bacteria testing occurs daily to weekly, while chemical contaminants may be tested quarterly or annually. Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports. Our site aggregates this data from EPA's SDWIS database.
Compare water quality across counties and find data for your area