WaterQ
Pennsylvania State Report All States
Official Status: March 2026

Is Pittsburgh tap water safe to drink?

✓ Generally Safe
B

Mostly yes — Pittsburgh scores 80/100.

Safety Score
80
out of 100

Still not sure if you need a filter in Pittsburgh?

Read Decision Guide →

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania

View Pennsylvania state report Data updated: Mar 2026

Is Pittsburgh tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Pittsburgh scores 80/100. This report aggregates EPA drinking water data across 1 local system in Pittsburgh. We found 0 total violations (0 unresolved).

Real-Time Environment

Live: 04:30 PM
0mm Precipitation

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

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 Pittsburgh?

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?

Wondering if Pittsburgh tap water needs filtering? We break it down.

Baby Formula Safety

Mixing baby formula with Pittsburgh tap water? Read this first.

Homebuyer's Perspective

If you're house-hunting in Pittsburgh, water quality belongs on your due-diligence checklist alongside schools and crime data. The high safety score (80/100) suggests lower risk for plumbing corrosion and appliance scaling.

Property Impact: Positive / Stable

Health & Family Safety

Residents should monitor Nitrite levels. Pregnant women and families with young children should consult the specific EPA health goals listed below.

View Health Risk Glossary →

Compliance Record for Pittsburgh

0
Violations (5yr)
0
Unresolved
8
Contaminants Tracked
2
Exceeding EPA Limit

Based on EPA SDWIS violation records and contaminant test results for all water systems serving Pittsburgh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pittsburgh tap water safe to drink?

Mostly yes — Pittsburgh scores 80/100.

How many water systems serve Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh is served by 1 public water system in our latest EPA-backed dataset.

How can I check water quality for my exact address in Pittsburgh?

Use the WaterQ search tool to look up your ZIP code and view nearby systems, contaminant levels, and recent violations for Pittsburgh.

What is the water quality score for Pittsburgh?

The water quality score for Pittsburgh is 80 out of 100, based on EPA contaminant data, violation history, and testing results for all serving water systems.

What are the top contaminants in Pittsburgh?

The top contaminants detected in Pittsburgh include Nitrite, Radium-228, Atrazine. View detailed information on our contaminants page.

Water Quality Score
80/100
Grade
B
Water Systems
19
Population
864,795

Pittsburgh Water Quality Summary

Pittsburgh, PA receives a water quality score of 80/100 (Grade B) based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) compliance data for 19 public water systems serving the area.

Pittsburgh'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.

Pittsburgh's score of 80 is 7 points above the Pennsylvania state average of 73, and above the nationwide average of roughly 78/100 across all U.S. states.

Navigating drinking water quality in a large city like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, involves understanding a landscape served by multiple distinct water systems. Within this Mid-Atlantic region, characterized by Appalachian foothills and older industrial infrastructure, water quality can vary depending on the specific system servicing a property. While the overall supply maintains a generally favorable standard, prospective homebuyers should identify the exact provider for an address to better understand their local tap water.

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

Nitrite Violation
2.4722 / 1 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 1 mg/L
Radium-228 Violation
7.9291 / 5 pCi/L
0 pCi/L MCL: 5 pCi/L
Atrazine
2.8901 / 3 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 3 μg/L
PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate)
0.0027 / 0.004 μg/L
0 μg/L MCL: 0.004 μg/L
Copper
0.8606 / 1.3 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 1.3 mg/L
Gross Alpha Particle Activity
4.8069 / 15 pCi/L
0 pCi/L MCL: 15 pCi/L
Fluoride
0.7245 / 4 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 4 mg/L
Nitrate
1.5232 / 10 mg/L
0 mg/L MCL: 10 mg/L

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Water Systems Serving Pittsburgh (1)

Related

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