D23/100
York Tap Water Quality: Is It Safe to Drink? (2026 Report)
Serving 221,122 residents · Pennsylvania
What's In York's Tap Water?
76
Contaminants Tested
0
Exceed EPA Limits
2
Above EPA Goals
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
chlorate | 290.00 µg/L | — | Above Goal |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.003 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
4
Violations (last 5yr)
1
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
TIER 3Unresolved
Monitoring violation
This is a paperwork/process violation — it does not mean a contaminant was detected at unsafe levels.
When: July 11, 2025Rule: Total Coliform RuleEnforcement: Informal — resolved cooperativelyVerify on EPA.gov
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: July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Stage 1 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: October 1, 2022 – December 31, 2022Rule: Stage 1 DBPREnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 1 — URGENTResolved
Maximum Contaminant Level Violation
When: July 1, 2022 – July 31, 2022Rule: Total Coliform 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
FRANKLIN SYSTEM YORK WATER
Population Served
4,400
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
PA7280045
YORK WATER CO
Population Served
206,762
Water Source
Surface Water
System ID
PA7670100
WEST MANCHESTER TWP AUTH
Population Served
9,960
Water Source
Groundwater
System ID
PA7670101
Frequently Asked Questions About York Water
Is York tap water safe to drink?
York, Pennsylvania tap water receives a grade of D (23/100), which is considered poor. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels and 672 violation(s) are on record. Residents should consider using an NSF-certified water filter to reduce contaminant exposure.
What contaminants are in York's water?
Of the 76 contaminants tested in York's water supply, the most notable include PFOS, Lead (90th percentile), chlorate. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 3 contaminant(s) exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs), which are non-enforceable targets set at levels with no known health risk.
Does York have any water quality violations?
Yes, York has 672 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, RPT, MCL. 20 of these are health-based violations, which are the most serious category.
Do I need a water filter in York?
Based on EPA data, using a water filter in York 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 York's tap water come from?
York's drinking water is sourced from surface water and supplied by FRANKLIN SYSTEM YORK WATER and 2 other water system(s). The system serves approximately 221,122 people. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
How often is York'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. York'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 York's water compare to other cities in Pennsylvania?
York's water quality score of 23/100 earns a grade of D, which is considered poor. 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 York's water quality?
If you have concerns about York'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 (FRANKLIN SYSTEM YORK WATER) 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.