Is Harrisburg, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Harrisburg tap water meets federal Safe Drinking Water Act standards but 2 of 9 ZIP codes show detections above EPA health guidelines, primarily for PFTrDA. A certified filter is recommended for households that want an additional layer of protection.
Where Does Harrisburg Get Its Water?
Water in Harrisburg, PA is provided by 5 public water systems: CAPITAL REGION WATER, PA AMERICAN WATER CO WEST, PA AMERICAN WATER STEELTON, SUEZ WATER PA and SCHUYLKILL CO MUN AUTH.
How Is Harrisburg Tap Water Treated?
Treated water is disinfected using calcium hypochlorite and chloramines and free chlorine and on-site generated disinfectant. Treatment includes conventional treatment (coagulation, flocculation, and filtration), granular activated carbon filtration, groundwater disinfection, membrane filtration and post-ozone biofiltration.
What's in Harrisburg Tap Water?
The following contaminants were detected most frequently in Harrisburg public water systems. 2 of 9 ZIP codes showed detections above EPA health guidelines.
| Contaminant | Peak detected | EPA guideline | ZIPs detected | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFTrDA | 0.007 µg/L | 0.007 µg/L | 4 ZIPs | Above guideline |
| PFOS | 0.0062 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 1 ZIP | Above guideline |
| lithium | 9 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | 0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | 1 ZIP | Within guideline |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | 0.005 µg/L | — | 0 ZIPs | Within guideline |
Health Risk Profile for Harrisburg
Based on EPA monitoring data, 2 of 9 ZIP codes in Harrisburg have recorded detections above EPA health guidelines. Sensitive populations such as infants, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems may benefit from an additional layer of protection such as a certified point-of-use filter.
Best Broad-Spectrum Filters for This Water Profile
This city profile includes PFAS detections, chlorine disinfection, and other dissolved contaminants. Reverse osmosis (RO) systems certified under NSF/ANSI 58 provide broad reduction coverage; for PFAS specifically, confirm NSF/ANSI P473 or equivalent PFAS reduction certification.
8-stage tankless RO system certified to NSF/ANSI 58, reduces 1,000+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, arsenic, fluoride, and nitrates.
See recommendations matched to your exact address: choose your ZIP code below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Harrisburg Tap Water
Is Harrisburg tap water safe to drink?
Harrisburg tap water meets Safe Drinking Water Act requirements but 2 of 9 ZIP codes show contaminant levels above EPA health-based guidelines. A certified point-of-use filter adds an extra layer of protection.
What contaminants are in Harrisburg tap water?
The most commonly detected contaminants in Harrisburg water systems include: PFTrDA, PFOS, lithium. See the ZIP-level reports for exact measurements and EPA guideline comparisons.
Where does Harrisburg get its drinking water?
Harrisburg receives water from 5 public water systems, including CAPITAL REGION WATER.
Do I need a water filter in Harrisburg?
If your ZIP code is among those with detections above EPA health guidelines, choose a filter certified for the specific contaminants shown in your ZIP report. Reverse osmosis is generally the broadest option for PFAS, lithium, and many other dissolved contaminants.
How often is Harrisburg tap water tested?
Public water systems in Harrisburg are required by the EPA to test for regulated contaminants on schedules ranging from daily (for microbials and disinfectants) to annual or triennial (for many chemical contaminants). Results are published in annual Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). The data on this page reflects the most recent available EPA monitoring results, with the latest sample date of 2024-12-16.
Tap water reports by ZIP in Harrisburg
- 17101 - Bellevue Park, Harrisburg tap water report Some concern
- 17102 - Montrose Park, Harrisburg tap water report Some concern
- 17103 - Spring Valley, Harrisburg tap water report Some concern
- 17104 - Hassler Meadows, Harrisburg tap water report Some concern
- 17105 - Harrisburg tap water report Higher concern
- 17106 - Harrisburg tap water report Some concern
- 17110 - Estherton, Harrisburg tap water report Higher concern
- 17120 - Riverside, Harrisburg tap water report Some concern
- 17125 - Harrisburg tap water report Some concern
Water utilities serving Harrisburg, PA
Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.
- CAPITAL REGION WATERAction advised
Also covers / overlaps with
- Susquehanna, PA · Township
- Middle Paxton, PA · Township
- Penbrook, PA
- Swatara, PA · Township