C47/100
Sewickley Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 9,000 residents · Pennsylvania
What's In Sewickley's Tap Water?
32
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.46 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.005 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
6
Violations (last 5yr)
3
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Disinfection byproduct treatment technique failure
When: December 15, 2024Rule: Ground Water RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
TIER 3Resolved
Monitoring violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: November 4, 2024 – February 14, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Maximum contaminant level violation
When: November 4, 2024 – December 3, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Resolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: February 1, 2024 – February 29, 2024Rule: Consumer Confidence RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 3Unresolved
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.
TIER 3Unresolved
Violation related to Consumer Confidence Report
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
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
SEWICKLEY BORO WATER AUTH
Population Served
6,800
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
PA5020050
ALEPPO TWP AUTH
Population Served
2,200
Water Source
Purchased Surface Water
System ID
PA5020070
Frequently Asked Questions About Sewickley Water
Is Sewickley tap water safe to drink?
Sewickley, Pennsylvania tap water receives a grade of C (47/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 84 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in Sewickley's water?
Of the 39 contaminants tested in Sewickley's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), Lead (90th percentile). 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does Sewickley have any water quality violations?
Yes, Sewickley has 84 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2024. Violation types include Other, RPT, TT. 2 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in Sewickley?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in Sewickley is recommended. 1 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 Sewickley's tap water come from?
Sewickley's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by SEWICKLEY BORO WATER AUTH and 1 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 9,000 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is Sewickley'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. Sewickley'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 Sewickley's water compare to other cities in Pennsylvania?
Sewickley's water quality score of 47/100 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 Sewickley's water quality?
If you have concerns about Sewickley'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 (SEWICKLEY BORO WATER AUTH) 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.