What contaminants are in Penn State Berks's water?

Penn State Berks's water utility tests for 96 different contaminants. Currently, 3 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 Penn State Berks?

Yes, we recommend using a water filter in Penn State Berks. With 3 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 Penn State Berks have any water quality violations?

PAW PENN DISTRICT 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.

Why does Penn State Berks's water taste like chlorine?

PAW PENN DISTRICT uses chlorine to disinfect the water and kill harmful bacteria and viruses. While chlorine is essential for public health, it can affect the taste and smell of your water. A simple activated carbon filter (like a pitcher filter or faucet mount) can effectively remove chlorine and improve taste.

Is Penn State Berks's water hard or soft?

Penn State Berks'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 Penn State Berks tap water?

The main contaminants of concern in Penn State Berks's tap water include Bromoform, Bromodichloromethane, Lead. 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 Penn State Berks?

While you can technically drink tap water in Penn State Berks as it meets legal requirements, 3 contaminants are above EPA health guidelines. We recommend using a certified water filter for optimal protection, especially for vulnerable individuals.

How often is Penn State Berks's water tested?

PAW PENN DISTRICT 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 Penn State Berks's tap water come from?

Penn State Berks's drinking water comes from groundwater. Groundwater sources like wells and aquifers often have natural filtration through soil and rock layers. The utility treats this water using air stripping, disinfection, no treatment before distribution.

What is the overall water quality in Penn State Berks?

Penn State Berks has 3 contaminants above EPA health guidelines (MCLGs) out of 96+ 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 Penn State Berks water?

The most commonly detected contaminants in Penn State Berks water include: Bromoform, Bromodichloromethane, Lead, Chlorine (Free), Chlorine (Total). Of these, 3 exceed EPA health guidelines. These contaminants are regularly monitored by PAW PENN DISTRICT and reported to the EPA. View the detailed contaminant section above for specific levels and health information.

Penn State Berks Tap Water Quality Report

Penn State Berks's water has 3 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. Consider using a certified water filter for additional protection.

Utility

PAW PENN DISTRICT

People Served

28,508

MCL Violations

Last Updated

2022-10-20

Is Penn State Berks Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Penn State Berks's water has 3 contaminants above EPA health-based guidelines (MCLGs). While the water meets federal legal limits, we recommend using a certified water filter for additional protection, especially for vulnerable populations like children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.

The data below shows test results from 1 water utility serving 28,508 people in the Penn State Berks area. Water quality testing is conducted regularly and reported to the EPA. This report was last updated 2022-10-20.

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Penn State Berks Water Service Areas

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Recommended Water Filters for Penn State Berks

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

Our Pick

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

BEST LEAD REMOVAL

Whirlpool Corporation

W11256135

(40,578 reviews)

NSF Certified:

NSF-401

NSF-42

NSF-53

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

View Details

Best Value

BEST LEAD REMOVAL

Whirlpool Corporation

W11569861

(1,273 reviews)

59.97

NSF Certified:

NSF-401

NSF-42

NSF-53

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

View Details

Highly Rated

EDITOR'S CHOICE

BEST CONTAMINANT REMOVAL

Clearly Filtered

550

NSF Certified:

NSF-42

NSF-53

NSF-401

Flow Rate

0.5 gpm

Daily Production

100 gpd

Removes 7 contaminants:

Chlorine, Lead, Fluoride, PFAS, Pharmaceuticals +2 more

View Details

Browse All Water Filter Types

Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing

With 3 contaminants above EPA health guidelines, independent laboratory testing provides a second opinion and can track changes over time.

RECOMMENDED

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

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

Tap Score

Advanced Microplastics Test

$636

Cutting-edge testing for microplastics particles in drinking water using advanced laboratory techniques.

(30 reviews)

10-14 days

1+ tested

Advanced detection technology

Comprehensive particle analysis

Emerging contaminant testing

Order Test Kit

EPA-Certified Labs

7-10 Day Results

Easy Mail-In Collection

Browse All Test Kits

Frequently Asked Questions About Penn State Berks Tap Water

Penn State Berks's water has 3 contaminants above EPA MCLGs. While the water meets federal legal limits, we recommend using a certified water filter for additional protection, especially for vulnerable populations like children, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems.

Penn State Berks Tap Water Quality Report

Is Penn State Berks Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Penn State Berks Water Service Areas

Recommended Water Filters for Penn State Berks

ZeroWater

W11256135

W11569861

Browse All Water Filter Types

Verify Your Water Quality with Independent Testing

Standard Home Water Test

Advanced Home Water Test

Advanced Microplastics Test

Frequently Asked Questions About Penn State Berks Tap Water

Is Penn State Berks tap water safe to drink?

What contaminants are in Penn State Berks's water?

Do I need a water filter in Penn State Berks?

Does Penn State Berks have any water quality violations?

Why does Penn State Berks's water taste like chlorine?

Is Penn State Berks's water hard or soft?

What are the main contaminants in Penn State Berks tap water?

Can you drink tap water in Penn State Berks?

How often is Penn State Berks's water tested?

Where does Penn State Berks's tap water come from?

What is the overall water quality in Penn State Berks?

What are the most common contaminants detected in Penn State Berks water?

Stay Informed About Your Water Quality