Philadelphia Drinking Water Quality
What's Really in Your Tap Water?
Philadelphia tap water has notable issues that residents should consider. At just 120 ppm (7 gpg), the water is pleasantly soft. Lead levels test well below the EPA action level. PFAS "forever chemicals" exceed EPA limits — a water filter is strongly recommended. There have been 6 violations recorded over the past 3 years.
Action Needed
Quality issues detected
7 GPG hardness
Lead
Below EPA action level
EPA action level: 15 ppb
Hardness
Moderate water
US Average: 100 ppm
Is Philadelphia Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Philadelphia tap water has significant quality concerns that may require action.
17 contaminants were tested in Philadelphia's water. 17 were detected, and 2 exceed EPA limits.
PFAS "Forever Chemicals" — PFOA at 6.92 ppt (EPA limit: 4 ppt), PFOS at 4.98 ppt (EPA limit: 4 ppt) — exceed the EPA safety limit. 6 other PFAS compounds were also detected within limits.
A man-made "forever chemical" historically used in non-stick coatings (Teflon), food packaging, and firefighting foam. Linked to increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system effects.
→ A reverse osmosis (RO) or NSF-certified activated carbon filter can reduce PFOA by 90% or more.
Disinfection Byproducts — Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) is at 43 ppb — 72% of the EPA limit (60 ppb). Within legal limits, but elevated.
A group of five chemicals that form as byproducts when chlorine or other disinfectants react with organic matter in water. Long-term exposure may increase the risk of cancer. Some studies link them to reproductive and developmental effects.
→ An activated carbon filter can reduce haloacetic acids in your drinking water.
Disinfectants — Total Chlorine is at 2.33 ppm — 58% of the EPA limit (4 ppm). Within legal limits, but elevated.
The total amount of chlorine in water, including both free chlorine and combined chlorine (chloramines). At typical levels, safe to drink. Ensures water remains protected from bacteria throughout the distribution system.
→ Activated carbon filters effectively reduce total chlorine levels.
Metals — 1 contaminant detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Barium at 0.046 ppm (2% of EPA limit).
Inorganic Chemicals — 2 contaminants detected, all within EPA limits. Highest: Nitrate at 4.52 ppm (45% of EPA limit).
The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 1.6M people in the Philadelphia area.
Do I Need a Water Filter?
Philadelphia has PFAS levels exceeding EPA limits. A reverse osmosis (RO) filter or NSF-certified activated carbon filter is recommended to reduce PFAS in your drinking water.
How Hard is Philadelphia Water?
120 ppm
7 grains per gallon
Impact on Your Home
Shower
Minor dryness possible
Kitchen
Some water spots
Laundry
May need more detergent
Appliances
Minimal scale
Regional Comparison
Values in ppm (mg/L as CaCO₃)
Range: 100–180 ppm
Based on 355 samples from Philadelphia Water Department / Web Sources (2024)
Your pipes tell a different story
The data above shows what leaves the treatment plant—not what comes out of your faucet. Old pipes, lead solder, and building plumbing can add contaminants the city never tests for. Know exactly what's in your Philadelphia tap water.
Home test kits detect lead, bacteria, pesticides, and 100+ other contaminants. Results in 5-10 business days from certified labs.
Lead & Contaminants
Understanding lead levels and water quality violations in Philadelphia
Lead Test Results
90th Percentile Lead Level
2 ppb
Philadelphia lead levels are well within safe limits.
Regular testing is still recommended, as lead can enter water through household plumbing.
Last sampled: 2022-09-30
About Lead in Drinking Water
What is Lead in Water?
Lead is a toxic metal that can dissolve into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. It's invisible, tasteless, and odorless, making testing the only way to detect it. The EPA has set an action level of 15 ppb, though they emphasize there is no safe level of lead exposure.
Potential Health Effects
Developmental delays, learning difficulties, lower IQ, behavioral issues
High blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive issues
How to Reduce Exposure
- •Run water for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before drinking, especially in the morning
- •Use cold water for cooking and drinking (hot water dissolves more lead)
- •Install a NSF-certified filter designed to remove lead
- •Test your water, especially if your home was built before 1986
PFAS “Forever Chemicals”
2 PFAS chemicals exceed EPA limits
+ 4 more PFAS compounds detected
PFAS are synthetic chemicals that don't break down in the environment. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter can reduce PFAS levels.
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
72% of EPA limit
Range: 16–52 ppb
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM)
64% of EPA limit
Range: 14–76 ppb
Total Chlorine
58% of EPA limit
Range: 1.73–2.33 ppm
Nitrate
45% of EPA limit
Range: 0.92–4.52 ppm
Other Detected Contaminants
17 contaminants detected
| Contaminant | Your Water | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Fluoride | 0.624 ppm Range: 0.619-0.624 PADEP MCL 2 ppm (stricter than EPA 4 ppm) | 2 ppm Goal: 2 ppm | Safe 31% of limit |
Nitrate | 4.52 ppm Range: 0.92-4.52 Highest in dataset - 45% of MCL | 10 ppm Goal: 10 ppm | Safe 45% of limit |
Barium | 0.046 ppm Range: 0.027-0.046 | 2 ppm Goal: 2 ppm | Safe 2% of limit |
Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | 51 ppb Range: 14-76 Highest LRAA | 80 ppb | Caution 64% of limit |
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | 43 ppb Range: 16-52 Highest LRAA - TCAA Health Advisory exceeded in Q2 2024 (NW Philadelphia) | 60 ppb | Caution 72% of limit |
Total Chlorine | 2.33 ppm Range: 1.73-2.33 Highest monthly average in distribution system | 4 ppm | Caution 58% of limit |
PFHPA | 3.1 ppt Range: 0-3.3 UCMR5 - 4/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHXA | 5.94 ppt Range: 0-9.1 UCMR5 - 10/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFPEA | 6.49 ppt Range: 0-9.9 UCMR5 - 9/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFBA | 6.88 ppt Range: 0-7.6 UCMR5 - 4/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFBS | 6.21 ppt Range: 0-10 UCMR5 - 7/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHPA | 3.1 ppt Range: 0-3.3 UCMR5 - 4/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFHXA | 5.94 ppt Range: 0-9.1 UCMR5 - 10/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
PFNA | 4.5 ppt Range: 0-4.5 UCMR5 - 2/12 samples detected | 10 ppt Goal: 10 ppt | Safe 45% of limit |
PFOA | 6.92 ppt Range: 0-8.1 UCMR5 - 8/12 samples detected - Max 8.1 ppt exceeds EPA MCL of 4 ppt | 4 ppt 0 | Exceeds 173% of limit |
PFOS | 4.98 ppt Range: 0-6 UCMR5 - 6/12 samples detected - Max 6.0 ppt exceeds EPA MCL of 4 ppt | 4 ppt 0 | Exceeds 125% of limit |
PFPEA | 6.49 ppt Range: 0-9.9 UCMR5 - 9/12 samples detected | N/A | Safe |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA legal limit)
EPA Compliance History
Active Violations
Administrative issues pendingCurrent violations are administrative or monitoring-related. Water quality is not immediately affected, but stay informed about utility updates.
3-Year Violation Summary
6
Total Violations
0
Health-Related
6
Administrative
Health-Related Violations
Contaminant exceeded EPA safety limits. May require filter or alternative water source.
Administrative Violations
Missed testing deadlines or reporting. Does not indicate water quality issues.
Who Provides Philadelphia's Water?
Utility Name
PHILADELPHIA WATER DEPARTMENT
EPA System ID (PWSID)
PA1510001
Primary Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
1.6M
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Philadelphia tap water quality
Nearby Cities in Pennsylvania
Pa Amer
Soft water
Aqua Pa Main System
Hard water
Pittsburgh
Moderate water
Erie City
Moderate water
York
Moderate water
West View
Moderate water
This data is for informational purposes only. Water quality can vary by neighborhood and building. For official reports, contact your local water utility or the EPA. Learn about our methodology
Data source: Philadelphia Water Department / Web Sources (2024) • View report