C50/100
South Heights Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 15,000 residents · Pennsylvania
What's In South Heights's Tap Water?
67
Contaminants Tested
1
Exceed EPA Limits
1
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Copper (90th percentile) | 1.54 mg/L | 1.30 mg/L | Over Limit |
chlorate | 245.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
1
Violation (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
0
Health-Related
TIER 3Resolved
Surface water treatment technique failure
When: July 1, 2023 – October 2, 2023Enforcement: 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
CRESWELL HEIGHTS JT AUTH
Population Served
15,000
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
PA5040063
Frequently Asked Questions About South Heights Water
Is South Heights tap water safe to drink?
South Heights, Pennsylvania tap water receives a grade of C (50/100), which is considered fair. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 35 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in South Heights's water?
Of the 67 contaminants tested in South Heights's water supply, the most notable include Copper (90th percentile), chlorate. 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 South Heights have any water quality violations?
Yes, South Heights has 35 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2023. Violation types include Other, RPT, TT. 1 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in South Heights?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in South Heights 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 South Heights's tap water come from?
South Heights's drinking water is sourced from groundwater and supplied by CRESWELL HEIGHTS JT AUTH. The system serves approximately 15,000 people. Groundwater is pumped from underground aquifers, which often provides natural filtration.
How often is South Heights'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. South Heights'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 South Heights's water compare to other cities in Pennsylvania?
South Heights's water quality score of 50/100 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 South Heights's water quality?
If you have concerns about South Heights'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 (CRESWELL HEIGHTS JT 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.