Water system

Elizabethtown Area Water

C
Pennsylvania EPA ID PA7360124 19,000 people Surface water

What this means for you

Is it safe to drink right now?
Based on the latest EPA data, Elizabethtown Area Water has no unresolved health-based violations from the past year. Water that meets federal standards is generally considered safe to drink for most healthy people.
Should I use a filter?
Yes, we recommend considering one. Average PFOS was above the 4 ppt federal limit (compliance deadline April 2029).
What kind of filter?
For PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 53 (with an explicit PFOA/PFOS or total PFAS claim) or NSF/ANSI 58 reverse osmosis. See matched standards and product picks.

This is general information from public EPA data, not medical advice. Lead often comes from a home’s own pipes, so only a test of your tap can tell your exposure. If you are pregnant, caring for an infant, or have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor or health department.

Summary: No health-based violations in the last 5 years; 5 monitoring/reporting violations; PFOA/PFOS average above the 4 ppt federal limit: PFOS; Lead 90th percentile below the action level (2025).
EPA data snapshot 2026Q3. Grade is TapWaterZip's own score — see methods.

PFAS (“forever chemicals”), EPA UCMR 5

ChemicalHighest location averageHighest single sampleFederal limitDetections/samples
PFHxA4.6 ppt4.6 pptnone3/14
PFBS5.8 ppt6 pptnone6/14
PFBA2.9 ppt11.5 pptnone1/14
PFPeA4.5 ppt4.5 pptnone4/14
PFOS5 ppt5.7 ppt4 ppt3/14
4 PFAS tested and not detected

PFOA, PFHxS, PFNA, HFPO-DA (14 samples each, below EPA minimum reporting levels).

Hazard Index (PFHxS, PFNA, GenX, PFBS): 0 (limit 1.0, proposed for repeal).

Averages are per sampling location across UCMR 5 samples (non-detects counted as 0), approximating the rule’s running annual average. Not an official compliance determination; PFOA/PFOS MCL compliance begins April 26, 2029.

Lithium (also tested in UCMR 5, not a PFAS; no federal limit): highest location average 16.6 ppb.

Lead and copper

Lead 90th percentile3 ppb2025-09-30
Current action level15 ppbLCRI lowers to 10 ppb on Nov 1, 2027

Violations (last 5 years)

BeganTypeContaminant / ruleStatus
2025-01-01Missed or late testing/reportingInterim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment RuleResolved
2022-11-01Missed or late testingRevised Total Coliform RuleResolved
2022-11-01Missed or late testing/reportingSurface Water Treatment RuleResolved
2022-11-01Missed or late testing/reportingGroundwater RuleResolved
2022-07-01Missed or late testing/reportingTTHMResolved

Filters matched to this water

FILTER PICKS

Look for filters certified (NSF, IAPMO or WQA) to these standards for the specific contaminant. Buttons open the maker’s page or an Amazon search; use “Check NSF listing” to verify a model’s claims. No affiliate links yet — grades are never sold.

PFOS

NSF/ANSI 53 (PFOA/PFOS claim)NSF/ANSI 58 (RO)
Aquasana Claryum or OptimH2O (PFAS claim) ~$100–350
Aquasana under-sink lineup; must list PFOA/PFOS on the certificate — check before buying.
View on Aquasana →
Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Clearly Filtered Pitcher (PFAS claim) ~$110
Pitcher option with published PFAS reduction claims; verify NSF/IAPMO listing.
View on Clearly Filtered →
Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Waterdrop G3 / G3P600 RO ~$300–500
Tankless RO; RO broadly reduces nitrate, fluoride, arsenic and many PFAS — confirm the certificate lists yours.
Search on Amazon →
Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure

Chlorine/chloramine taste

NSF/ANSI 42
Aquasana Clean Water Pitcher ~$35
Pitcher for chlorine taste/odor; check the NSF/ANSI 42 listing for the exact model.
Search on Amazon →
Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure
Brita Elite Filter ~$20–40
Common faucet/pitcher option; confirm the 42 claim on the box.
View on Brita →
Check NSF listing · Not an affiliate link · disclosure

Annual water quality report

Utilities must publish a Consumer Confidence Report every year by July 1. Find it on the utility’s website or ask them directly; EPA explains how.

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