Oley Tap Water Quality Report
Oley's water has 11 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. We recommend using a certified water filter.
Utility
OLEY WATER SYSTEM
People Served
2,204
MCL Violations
0
Last Updated
Nov 30, 2020
Is Oley Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Oley's water has 11 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 Oley's water.
The data below shows test results from OLEY WATER SYSTEM, which serves 2,204 people in the Oley area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated Nov 30, 2020.
Oley Water Quality Test Results
Key Water Quality Metrics
Contaminants Detected
⚠️ Contaminants Above EPA MCLG (11)
Lead
What is Lead?
Naturally occurring heavy metal commonly found in tap water
Health Effects
Health protective benchmarks for oral exposure to lead are based on delays in physical or mental development for children and infants, and impacts to the kidneys and high blood pressure for adults. Children are especially susceptible to the effects of lead. Even low levels of lead can damage the brain and nervous system, slow development, and lead to problems with learning, behavior, hearing, and speech. In adults, lead can lead to hypertension, reproductive problems, neurological disorders, decreased kidney function and muscle and joint pain. Exposure to lead can also cause anemia and impact the immune system for both children and adults. The EPA classifies lead as a probable human carcinogen.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Bromodichloromethane
What is Bromodichloromethane?
Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine
Health Effects
Health protective benchmarks for BDCM are based on carcinogenicity and liver toxicity observed in animal studies. The EPA has classified BDCM as a probable human carcinogen. Results from animal studies also suggest that kidney, immune system, spleen, and developmental toxicity are associated with exposure to BDCM. BDCM has been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Bromoform
What is Bromoform?
Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine
Health Effects
Health protective benchmarks for bromoform are based on liver, developmental, and carcinogenicity observed in animal studies. Results from animal studies also suggest that exposure to bromoform can also lead to liver, kidney, and developmental toxicity. Bromoform has also been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Gross Alpha Activity
What is Gross Alpha Activity?
Gross alpha activity measures the total amount of radioactivity in a water sample emitted by decaying alpha-emitting elements, notably radioactive isotopes of uranium, radium, and radon. Alpha emitters are used to treat cancer, as an eliminator of static in paper mills and in other products like smoke detectors. Radioactive atoms release high energy alpha particles that pull electrons off of the atoms in cells. This process is called ionizing radiation, and may lead to harmful changes in cells and tissues. The toxicity of an alpha emitter depends on the amount of energy it releases and how organ systems respond to that energy. Exposure to elevated gross alpha activity is associated with increased cancer risk and genotoxicity, but toxicity to individual systems is dependent on the type of alpha emitter present.
Health Effects
Drinking water standards for gross alpha activity have been developed based on increased cancer risk associated with alpha radioactivity. Alpha radiation has been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Chlorine (Free)
What is Chlorine (Free)?
Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is a yellow-green gas at room temperature and is a strong oxidizing agent. Chlorine is commonly used in water treatment to kill bacteria and other pathogens.
Health Effects
Exposure to chlorine can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and eye irritation. Ingesting chlorine can lead to gastrointestinal distress and other serious health problems.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Chlorine (Total)
What is Chlorine (Total)?
Chlorine is a chemical element with the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is a yellow-green gas at room temperature and is a strong oxidizing agent. Chlorine is commonly used in water treatment to kill bacteria and other pathogens, making water safe for drinking.
Health Effects
Exposure to chlorine can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and eye irritation. Ingesting high levels of chlorine can lead to gastrointestinal distress and other serious health problems.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Total THMs
What is Total THMs?
Group of contaminants that form in drinking water systems when a disinfectant, typically chlorine, reacts with organic matter
Health Effects
Drinking water standards for total THMs are based on evidence of carcinogenicity in human and animal studies, as well as liver and kidney toxicity observed in animal studies. Individual THMs have been further associated with developmental, immune, spleen, and genotoxicity.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Chloroform
What is Chloroform?
Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine and is generally the most abundant THM formed in drinking water
Health Effects
Health protective benchmarks for chloroform have been developed based on kidney and liver carcinogenicity observed in animal studies, and liver toxicity observed in occupational studies. The EPA classifies chloroform as a probable human carcinogen based on animal evidence, and there is additional epidemiological evidence that may increase the risk of colon and bladder cancer in humans. Results from animal studies also suggest that exposure to chloroform can cause liver, developmental and immune toxicity. Acute exposure to low levels of chloroform will cause nervous system toxicity.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Radium 228
What is Radium 228?
Radium-228 is a radioactive isotope of radium that occurs naturally in uranium and thorium ores. It is part of the decay chain of uranium-232 and has a half-life of 5.75 years. Radium-228 can be found in groundwater and can contaminate drinking water supplies.
Health Effects
Exposure to radium-228 can lead to an increased risk of cancer, particularly bone cancer, due to its radioactive properties. Long-term exposure can also affect the kidneys and other organs.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Dibromochloromethane
What is Dibromochloromethane?
Member of trihalomethanes (THMs) that form in water treated with chlorine
Health Effects
Health protective benchmarks for DBCM have been developed based on liver toxicity and carcinogenicity observed in animal studies. EPA has classified DBCM as a possible human carcinogen based on animal evidence, while IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) says it is unclassifiable as a human carcinogen. Kidney toxicity has also been associated with DBCM based on evidence from animal studies. DBCM has been shown to produce DNA changes (genotoxicity) in laboratory studies.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Radium 226
What is Radium 226?
Radium-226 is a radioactive isotope of radium, which is a naturally occurring element found in uranium ores. It is a decay product of uranium-238 and is known for its radioactive properties, emitting alpha particles and gamma radiation.
Health Effects
Exposure to Radium-226 can lead to serious health issues, including an increased risk of bone cancer and other malignancies. It can accumulate in bones and tissues, leading to long-term health effects due to its radioactivity.
Affected Organs
Common Sources
Understanding the Data
This data comes from your local water utility testing. The bar charts compare detected levels against EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG). Contaminants above the MCLG are shown by default and may require filtration. All other tested contaminants are within safe levels and can be viewed by expanding the section above.
Recommended Water Filters for Oley
Based on Oley's water quality data, these NSF-certified filters are recommended to remove contaminants above EPA MCLGs.
Whirlpool Corporation
W11256135
NSF Certified:
Capacity
1001 gal
Filter Life
3 mo
Flow Rate
0.7 gpm
Removes 19 contaminants:
1,2 Dichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, 2,4-D, Asbestos, Atrazine +14 more
Whirlpool Corporation
W11569861
NSF Certified:
Capacity
1001 gal
Filter Life
3 mo
Flow Rate
0.52 gpm
Removes 22 contaminants:
1,2 Dichlorobenzene, 1,2,4 Trichlorobenzene, 1,4 Dichlorobenzene, 2,4-D, Asbestos +17 more
Pentair Residential Filtration, LLC
Everpure Residential H-300-NXT
NSF Certified:
Capacity
3001 gal
Filter Life
10 mo
Flow Rate
0.5 gpm
Removes 5 contaminants:
Chlorine (Free), Chlorine (Total), Chlorine Dioxide, Cryptosporidium, Lead
Solventum Purification Inc.
3MRO401
NSF Certified:
Daily Production
11.48 gpd
Removes 15 contaminants:
Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Chromium (Total), Chromium (VI) +10 more
Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing
With 11 contaminants above EPA health guidelines, independent laboratory testing provides a second opinion and can track changes over time.
SimpleLab
Advanced Home Water Test
$369
Most comprehensive home water test including all standard tests plus additional parameters for ultimate peace of mind.
SimpleLab
Standard Home Water Test
$232
Comprehensive water analysis testing over 200 contaminants including bacteria, heavy metals, and chemical compounds.
Tap Score
Advanced Microplastics Test
$636
Cutting-edge testing for microplastics particles in drinking water using advanced laboratory techniques.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oley Tap Water
Oley's water has 11 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 Oley's water.