What contaminants are in Olean's water?

Olean's water utility tests for 143 different contaminants. Currently, 7 contaminants are above EPA MCLGs. You can view detailed information about each contaminant, including test results, health effects, and comparisons to EPA MCLGs in the sections above.

Do I need a water filter in Olean?

Yes, we recommend using a water filter in Olean. With 7 contaminants above EPA MCLGs, a certified water filter can reduce your exposure to these substances. Look for filters certified for NSF-53 (health effects) or NSF-58 (reverse osmosis) that specifically remove the contaminants found in your water.

Does Olean have any water quality violations?

OLEAN CITY currently has no reported Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) violations, meaning the water meets all federal legal limits. However, health-based guidelines are often more protective than legal limits, which is why we compare test results to EPA MCLG Levels on this page.

Is Olean's water hard or soft?

Olean's water has null PPM average hardness. Soft water is generally easier on plumbing and appliances, and requires less soap for cleaning.

What are the main contaminants in Olean tap water?

The main contaminants of concern in Olean's tap water include Bromoform, Bromodichloromethane, Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA). These substances were found above EPA health-based guidelines. You can view detailed information about each contaminant, including health effects and recommended filters, in the contaminants section above.

Can you drink tap water in Olean?

While you can technically drink tap water in Olean as it meets legal requirements, 7 contaminants are above EPA health guidelines. We recommend using a certified water filter for optimal protection, especially for vulnerable individuals.

How often is Olean's water tested?

OLEAN CITY is required by federal law to test water quality regularly. The frequency depends on the contaminant - some are tested daily (like bacteria), while others are tested monthly, quarterly, or annually. The test results shown on this page are from the most recent testing period reported to the EPA.

Where does Olean's tap water come from?

Olean's drinking water comes from surface water. Surface water sources include rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, which require more extensive treatment to remove sediments and potential contaminants. The utility treats this water using air stripping, conventional, disinfection before distribution.

What is the overall water quality in Olean?

Olean has 7 contaminants above EPA health guidelines (MCLGs) out of 143+ tested. While meeting federal legal limits (MCLs), the presence of contaminants above health-based guidelines suggests that using a certified water filter could provide additional protection, especially for sensitive populations.

What are the most common contaminants detected in Olean water?

The most commonly detected contaminants in Olean water include: Bromoform, Bromodichloromethane, Sodium, Dichloroacetic Acid (DCA), Radium, combined (-226 & -228). Of these, 7 exceed EPA health guidelines. These contaminants are regularly monitored by OLEAN CITY and reported to the EPA. View the detailed contaminant section above for specific levels and health information.

Olean Tap Water Quality Report

Olean's water has 7 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We recommend using a certified water filter.

Utilities

2 Utilities

People Served

14,850

MCL Violations

Last Updated

2020-12-15

Is Olean Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Olean's water has 7 contaminants above EPA health-based guidelines. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Olean's water.

The data below shows test results from 2 water utilities serving 14,850 people in the Olean area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated 2020-12-15.

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Olean Water Service Areas

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Recommended Water Filters for Olean

Based on Olean's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above EPA MCLGs.

Our Pick

BEST LEAD REMOVAL

Solventum Purification Inc.

3MRO401

(35 reviews)

679.95

NSF Certified:

NSF-58

Daily Production

11.48 gpd

Removes 15 contaminants:

Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Chromium (VI) +10 more

View Details

BEST LEAD REMOVAL

Solventum Purification Inc.

3MRO301

(13 reviews)

586.95

NSF Certified:

NSF-58

Daily Production

11.48 gpd

Removes 15 contaminants:

Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Chromium (VI) +10 more

View Details

Best Value

EDITOR'S CHOICE

BEST BUDGET

Culligan

ZeroWater

24.99

NSF Certified:

NSF-42

NSF-53

NSF-401

NSF-372

Flow Rate

1.9 gpm

Daily Production

1 gpd

Removes 19 contaminants:

Nitrate, Copper, Zinc, Barium, Sulfate +14 more

View Details

Best Value

EDITOR'S CHOICE

BEST BUDGET

Santevia

19.99

NSF Certified:

NSF-42

NSF-53

Flow Rate

0.36 gpm

Removes 1 contaminants:

Chlorine

View Details

Browse All Water Filter Types

Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing

With 7 contaminants above EPA health guidelines, independent laboratory testing provides a second opinion and can track changes over time.

RECOMMENDED

SimpleLab

Advanced Home Water Test

$369

Most comprehensive home water test including all standard tests plus additional parameters for ultimate peace of mind.

(19 reviews)

7-10 days

300+ tested

EPA Certified

Tests 300+ parameters

Most thorough analysis available

EPA-certified laboratory

Order Test Kit

SimpleLab

Standard Home Water Test

$232

Comprehensive water analysis testing over 200 contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical compounds.

(209 reviews)

7-10 days

200+ tested

EPA Certified

Tests 200+ contaminants

EPA-certified laboratory

Easy mail-in sample collection

Order Test Kit

Tap Score

Haloacetic Acids (HAA9) Test

$275

Tests for disinfection byproducts formed when chlorine reacts with organic matter in water treatment.

7-10 days

9+ tested

EPA Certified

Tests 9 HAA compounds

Identifies chlorination byproducts

Important for chlorinated water

Order Test Kit

EPA-Certified Labs

7-10 Day Results

Easy Mail-In Collection

Browse All Test Kits

Frequently Asked Questions About Olean Tap Water

Olean's water has 7 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We strongly recommend using a certified water filter to reduce exposure to these contaminants. Check our filter recommendations below for NSF-certified options that can remove the specific contaminants found in Olean's water.

Olean Tap Water Quality Report

Is Olean Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Olean Water Service Areas

Recommended Water Filters for Olean

3MRO401

3MRO301

ZeroWater

Browse All Water Filter Types

Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing

Advanced Home Water Test

Standard Home Water Test

Haloacetic Acids (HAA9) Test

Frequently Asked Questions About Olean Tap Water

Is Olean tap water safe to drink?

What contaminants are in Olean's water?

Do I need a water filter in Olean?

Does Olean have any water quality violations?

Is Olean's water hard or soft?

What are the main contaminants in Olean tap water?

Can you drink tap water in Olean?

How often is Olean's water tested?

Where does Olean's tap water come from?

What is the overall water quality in Olean?

What are the most common contaminants detected in Olean water?

Stay Informed About Your Water Quality