TapSafetyReport
F0/100

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

Serving 18,500 residents · Pennsylvania

What's In Bradford's Tap Water?

69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
1 contaminant above EPA health goals
ContaminantDetectedLimit (MCL)Status
Lead (90th percentile)
0.001 mg/L0.015 mg/LAbove Goal

EPA Violation History

11

Violations (last 5yr)

1

Unresolved

1

Health-Related

TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: July 11, 2025 – August 21, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure

When: July 11, 2025 – August 21, 2025Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Unresolved

Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report

When: April 1, 2025Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
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: April 1, 2025 – April 30, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment 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, 2025 – April 30, 2025Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Missed required monitoring deadline

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

When: March 1, 2025 – March 31, 2025Rule: Surface Water Treatment 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

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

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: January 1, 2023 – January 31, 2023Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved

Missed required monitoring deadline

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

When: January 1, 2023 – January 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment 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: January 1, 2023 – January 31, 2023Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: 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

BRADFORD CITY WATER AUTHORITY
Population Served

18,500

Water Source

Surface Water

System ID

PA6420014

Frequently Asked Questions About Bradford Water

Is Bradford tap water safe to drink?

Bradford, Pennsylvania tap water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 0 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 181 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.

What contaminants are in Bradford's water?

Of the 69 contaminants tested in Bradford's water supply, the most notable include Lead (90th percentile). No contaminants exceed EPA legal limits. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.

Does Bradford have any water quality violations?

Yes, Bradford has 181 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include Other, TT, MR. 6 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.

Do I need a water filter in Bradford?

Bradford water meets EPA standards, so a filter is not strictly necessary. However, some residents prefer the added security of a water filter. EPA health goals (MCLGs) are stricter than legal limits and are set at levels with zero expected health risk. 1 contaminant(s) exceed these stricter goals.

Where does Bradford's tap water come from?

Bradford's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by BRADFORD CITY WATER AUTHORITY. The system serves approximately 18,500 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

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

Bradford's water quality score of 0/100 earns a grade of F, which is considered failing. 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 Bradford's water quality?

If you have concerns about Bradford'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 (BRADFORD CITY WATER 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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