Pennsylvania Water Quality Report
Tap water quality data for 15 cities in Pennsylvania, updated 2026.
US average: 100 ppm
2 of 15 cities violation-free
15 cities tested
15 water systems tracked
Cleanest Tap Water in Pennsylvania
Cities with the fewest water quality issues
Chester
140K served
Bethlehem
117K served
York
207K served
West View
200K served
Veolia
159K served
Mawc Yough Plant
133K served
Philadelphia
1.6M served
Mawc Sweeney Plant
143K served
Pa Amer
960K served
Lca Allentown Division
118K served
Most Water Quality Issues in Pennsylvania
Cities with the most violations and concerns
Aqua Pa Main System
823K served
Pittsburgh
520K served
Erie City
220K served
Wilkinsburg-penn Jt
125K served
Lancaster
120K served
Lca Allentown Division
118K served
Pa Amer
960K served
Philadelphia
1.6M served
Mawc Sweeney Plant
143K served
Mawc Yough Plant
133K served
Water Hardness Across Pennsylvania
Not sure what your hardness means? Use our Water Hardness Calculator or find the best hardness test kits.
Pennsylvania Tap Water: What You Need to Know
Pennsylvania has 15 tracked water utilities serving approximately 5.6M residents. The average water hardness is 101 ppm (5.9 GPG), classified as Moderately Hard — above the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness ranges from 37 ppm in Pa Amer to 162 ppm in Lancaster.
In the past 3 years, 13 of 15 cities in Pennsylvania have recorded water quality violations, totaling 259 violations (12 health-based). All 15 tested cities have lead levels below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Water
Is tap water safe to drink in Pennsylvania?
Most tap water in Pennsylvania meets EPA standards, but 13 cities have recorded violations in the past 3 years (12 health-based). We recommend checking your specific city's report on TapWater.org and considering a home water test.
How hard is the water in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania's average water hardness is 101 ppm (5.9 GPG), classified as Moderately Hard. This is above the national average of 100 ppm. Hardness varies significantly by city — use our Water Hardness Calculator to check your specific area.
Which city in Pennsylvania has the cleanest tap water?
Based on EPA violation data, lead testing, and water quality metrics, Chester ranks as having the cleanest tap water in Pennsylvania. It has zero violations in the past 3 years.
Which city in Pennsylvania has the most water quality issues?
Aqua Pa Main System currently has the most water quality concerns in Pennsylvania, with 103 violations in the past 3 years. Residents should check their city's detailed water quality report and consider using a certified water filter.
Where does Pennsylvania get its water from?
The majority of Pennsylvania's water systems (93%) use surface water as their primary source. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Each city's specific source can vary — check individual city reports for details.
All 15 Cities
Sorted by population served
Philadelphia
Utility serves 1.6M
Pa Amer
Utility serves 960K
Aqua Pa Main System
Utility serves 823K
Pittsburgh
Utility serves 520K
Erie City
Utility serves 220K
York
Utility serves 207K
West View
Utility serves 200K
Veolia
Utility serves 159K
Mawc Sweeney Plant
Utility serves 143K
Chester
Utility serves 140K
Mawc Yough Plant
Utility serves 133K
Wilkinsburg-penn Jt
Utility serves 125K
Lancaster
Utility serves 120K
Lca Allentown Division
Utility serves 118K
Bethlehem
Utility serves 117K