C49/100
Harrisburg Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 246,877 residents · Pennsylvania
What's In Harrisburg's Tap Water?
69
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 266.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.002 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
No violations in the past 5 years
Full EPA compliance since 2017.
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
VEOLIA WATER BETHEL
Population Served
7,809
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
PA1230012
VEOLIA WATER PA DALLAS
Population Served
7,563
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
PA2400076
VEOLIA WATER PA SHAVERTOWN
Population Served
3,472
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
PA2400091
VEOLIA MECHANICSBURG
Population Served
45,013
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
PA7210028
VEOLIA WATER
Population Served
110,000
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
PA7220015
CAPITAL REGION WATER
Population Served
66,540
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
PA7220049
VEOLIA NEWBERRY SYSTEM
Population Served
6,480
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
PA7670061
Frequently Asked Questions About Harrisburg Water
Is Harrisburg tap water safe to drink?
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania tap water receives a grade of C (49/100), which is considered fair. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 335 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Harrisburg's water?
Of the 69 contaminants tested in Harrisburg's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, PFOA, Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 4 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Harrisburg have any water quality violations?
Yes, Harrisburg has 335 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include MON, MR, MCL. 10 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Harrisburg?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Harrisburg is recommended. 2 contaminant(s) exceed legal limits. An NSF-certified filter — such as a reverse osmosis or activated carbon system — can effectively reduce many common contaminants. Choose a filter certified to remove the specific contaminants found in your area.
Where does Harrisburg's tap water come from?
Harrisburg's drinking water is sourced from purchased surface water and supplied by VEOLIA WATER BETHEL and 6 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 246,877 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is Harrisburg'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. Harrisburg'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 Harrisburg's water compare to other cities in Pennsylvania?
Harrisburg's water quality score of 49/100 earns a grade of C, which is considered fair. This is a below-average score that indicates room for improvement. Visit our Pennsylvania state page to see how all cities in the state compare.
What should I do if I'm concerned about Harrisburg's water quality?
If you have concerns about Harrisburg'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 (VEOLIA WATER BETHEL) 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.