F0/100
CITY OF LANCASTER — Water Quality Report 2026
Serving 120,000 people · Pennsylvania
Water Source
Surface Water
County
—
System ID
PA7360058
Violations
74
Contaminant Test Results
2 contaminants above EPA health goals
| Contaminant | Detected | Limit (MCL) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
PFOA | 0.024 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Over Limit |
Lead (90th percentile) | 0.007 mg/L | 0.015 mg/L | Above Goal |
EPA Violation History
3
Violations (last 5yr)
0
Unresolved
1
Health-Related
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: May 1, 2025 – May 31, 2025Rule: 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: September 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024Rule: Surface Water Treatment RuleEnforcement: Resolving — corrective action underway
TIER 2Resolved
Exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Level (running average)
When: April 1, 2024 – June 30, 2024Rule: Stage 2 DBPREnforcement: 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
Frequently Asked Questions About CITY OF LANCASTER
Is CITY OF LANCASTER water safe to drink?
CITY OF LANCASTER water receives a grade of F (0/100), which is considered failing. 1 contaminant(s) exceed EPA legal limits and 74 violation(s) are on record. Customers may want to consider using a water filter.
What contaminants has CITY OF LANCASTER detected?
76 contaminants were tested in CITY OF LANCASTER's water. Notable contaminants include PFOA, Lead (90th percentile). 1 exceed EPA legal limits (MCLs). 2 exceed EPA health goals (MCLGs).
Does CITY OF LANCASTER have any EPA violations?
Yes, CITY OF LANCASTER has 74 EPA violation(s) on record, with the most recent in 2025. Violation types include MR, MCL, Other. 11 are health-based violations.
How many people does CITY OF LANCASTER serve?
CITY OF LANCASTER serves approximately 120,000 people, Pennsylvania.
What type of water does CITY OF LANCASTER provide?
CITY OF LANCASTER sources its water from surface water. Surface water comes from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and typically requires more extensive treatment. The utility's system ID is PA7360058.
How does CITY OF LANCASTER compare to other utilities in Pennsylvania?
CITY OF LANCASTER scores 0/100 with a grade of F (failing). This score suggests significant water quality concerns relative to other utilities. Visit our Pennsylvania state page for a full comparison of water systems.