Philadelphia
Is Philadelphia tap water safe to drink?
Mostly yes — Philadelphia scores 80/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 2 local systems in Philadelphia. We found 209 total violations (6 unresolved).
Real-Time Environment
Live: 11:00 AM☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Philadelphia.
Water Quality Impact
🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs
Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Philadelphia?
Expert Advice
Given the safety margin, a Carbon Block or sediment filter is recommended to improve taste and remove trace particulates.
Buying a Filter?
Filter requirements and certified reduction benchmarks for Philadelphia tap water.
Baby Formula Safety
Infant formula preparation risks, nitrate levels, and lead pipe guidance in Philadelphia.
Homebuyer's Perspective
Evaluating water infrastructure in Philadelphia protects plumbing and helps estimate water heater longevity. The high safety score (80/100) suggests lower risk for plumbing corrosion and appliance scaling.
Health & Family Safety
Residents should monitor Lead (90th percentile) levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.
View Health Risk Glossary →Compliance Record for Philadelphia
Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Philadelphia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Philadelphia tap water safe to drink?
Mostly yes — Philadelphia scores 80/100.
How many water systems serve Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is served by 2 public water systems in our latest EPA-backed dataset.
How can I check water quality for my exact address in Philadelphia?
Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Philadelphia.
What is the water quality score for Philadelphia?
The water quality score for Philadelphia is 80 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results across the 2 systems serving the city.
What are the top contaminants in Philadelphia?
The top contaminants detected in Philadelphia include Lead (90th percentile). View detailed information on our contaminants page.
Philadelphia Water Quality Summary
Philadelphia, PA receives a water quality score of 80/100 (Grade B) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 2 public water systems serving the area.
Philadelphia's water quality is above the national average, with strong compliance records and low contaminant levels. Residents generally receive clean, safe tap water that meets EPA standards.
Philadelphia's score of 80 is 9 points above the Pennsylvania state average of 71, and above the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.
As a major metro area in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia relies on water systems that operate within the Mid-Atlantic region, characterized by the Appalachian foothills and older industrial infrastructure. For residents and prospective homebuyers, this environment delivers a water supply that achieves a generally favorable and solid quality rating, demonstrating reliable management of these regional challenges. While the overall quality is respectable, the presence of older industrial infrastructure in the area means that property owners should stay informed about the local distribution networks.
Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology → Read our Pennsylvania water quality rankings report →
Key Contaminants
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Water Systems Serving Philadelphia (2)
Check Your Specific Address
Water quality can vary by neighborhood in Philadelphia.
Related
Quick compare in Pennsylvania
Compare Philadelphia water quality: View all states · Contaminant library · How we score water quality