WaterQ
Pennsylvania State Report All States
Official Status: March 2026

Is Philadelphia tap water safe to drink?

✓ Generally Safe
B

Mostly yes — Philadelphia scores 82/100.

Safety Score
82
out of 100

Still not sure if you need a filter in Philadelphia?

Read Decision Guide →

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania

View Pennsylvania state report Verified: Apr 2026

Is Philadelphia tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Philadelphia scores 82/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 2 local systems in Philadelphia. We found 0 total violations (0 unresolved).

Real-Time Environment

Live: 02:45 PM
0mm Precipitation

☀️ No active precipitation. Rainfall can impact surface water turbidity and pollutant runoff in Philadelphia.

Water Quality Impact

✅ Minimal Impact Localized weather conditions may influence test result variability.

🛡️ Home Water Treatment Needs

Should you invest in filtration or softening for your home in Philadelphia?

Requirement Status
Recommended
🟡
💡

Expert Advice

Given the safety margin, a Carbon Block or sediment filter is recommended to improve taste and remove trace particulates.

Buying a Filter?

Should you buy a water purifier in Philadelphia? See our analysis.

Baby Formula Safety

Is Philadelphia tap water safe for infants? Critical safety guide.

Homebuyer's Perspective

For those looking to relocate to Philadelphia, water quality is a key factor in long-term property maintenance. The high safety score (82/100) suggests lower risk for plumbing corrosion and appliance scaling.

Property Impact: Positive / Stable

Health & Family Safety

Residents should monitor Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.

View Health Risk Glossary →

Score Breakdown for Philadelphia

EPA Compliance & Violations 85/100
Contaminant Safety Margin 82%

*Scores are calculated using weighted EPA monitoring data from the past 5 years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Philadelphia tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Philadelphia scores 82/100.

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 N/A out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results for all serving water systems.

What are the top contaminants in Philadelphia?

The top contaminants detected in Philadelphia include Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Nitrate. View detailed information on our contaminants page.

Water Quality Score
82/100
Grade
B
Water Systems
2
Population
1.6M

Philadelphia Water Quality Summary

Philadelphia, PA receives a water quality score of 82/100 (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.

Water quality data is sourced from the U.S. EPA SDWIS database and updated quarterly. Learn about our scoring methodology →

Key Contaminants

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Violation
145.5527 / 60 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 60 μg/L
Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) Violation
8.7256 / 5 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 5 μg/L
Nitrate
9.8291 / 10 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 10 mg/L
Perchlorate
32.2693 / 56 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 56 μg/L
Radium-228
2.8563 / 5 pCi/L
0 pCi/L MCL: 5 pCi/L
Turbidity
0.5645 / 1 NTU
0 NTU MCL: 1 NTU
Benzene
2.7374 / 5 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 5 μg/L
Nitrite
0.5379 / 1 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 1 mg/L

Water Systems Serving Philadelphia (2)

Related

Compare Philadelphia water quality: View all states · Contaminant library · How we score water quality