Philadelphia
PA

Is Philadelphia, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Philadelphia, PA tap water has a qualified safety concern. Recent EPA testing detected two PFAS chemicals, PFBS and PFPeA, above EPA health reference levels across much of the city. While the water meets many federal standards, sensitive individuals and those who want extra peace of mind should consider a certified filter rated for PFAS removal.

2Water systems
48ZIP codes
100%ZIPs above EPA guideline
Metro areaPhiladelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD
Latest data2024-12-11

Where Does Philadelphia Get Its Water?

Philadelphia's drinking water comes from two public water systems: the Philadelphia Water Department, which serves the bulk of the city, and Aqua Pennsylvania, which supplies portions of the surrounding service area. Both draw from surface and groundwater sources in the greater Philadelphia region.

The Philadelphia Water Department operates multiple treatment facilities, including the Queen Lane and Baxter plants, which are among the major recognizable facilities listed for this system. Aqua Pennsylvania runs a network of smaller treatment plants, including facilities at Crum Creek, North Hills, Pickering East, Pickering West, Upper Merion, and several others spread across the region.

Aqua Pennsylvania's network of neighborhood-scale treatment plants serves customers in areas adjacent to the city, drawing on local groundwater wells and surface intakes. Each facility treats water independently before it reaches taps in its service zone.

How Is Philadelphia Tap Water Treated?

Both utilities apply multi-step treatment before water reaches your tap. Processes in use across these systems include coagulation, filtration, granular activated carbon, ion exchange, powdered activated carbon, and aeration. These steps remove sediment, organic compounds, and a range of dissolved contaminants.

Disinfection uses free chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and in some cases ultralow-level disinfection approaches, depending on the facility. Disinfection kills bacteria and viruses and keeps water safe from microbial contamination through the distribution system. A residual disinfectant remains in the water as it travels through pipes to your home.

Granular activated carbon filtration is notable because it can reduce certain organic compounds and some PFAS chemicals, though it does not eliminate all PFAS at the trace levels detected in recent testing.

What's in Philadelphia Tap Water?

The most significant finding from recent EPA testing is the detection of PFBS, a PFAS chemical, at a peak level of 0.01 micrograms per liter. EPA's health reference level for PFBS is 0.003 micrograms per liter, so this peak is more than three times above that benchmark. Detections were recorded across 94 ZIP code areas, with 46 of those showing levels above the reference level.

A second PFAS compound, PFPeA, was also detected, with a peak of 0.0136 micrograms per liter against the same 0.003 microgram-per-liter health reference level. Two ZIP areas showed PFPeA above that benchmark. Three additional compounds, PFTrDA, 11Cl-PF3OUdS, and lithium, were detected but none exceeded their respective guidelines in this dataset.

PFAS compounds are industrial chemicals that have been used in firefighting foams, nonstick coatings, and many manufactured products. They are widespread in water supplies across the country, particularly near industrial sites and areas with historical firefighting foam use.

ContaminantPeak detectedEPA guidelineZIPs detectedStatus
PFBS 0.01 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 46 ZIPs Above guideline
PFPeA 0.0136 µg/L 0.003 µg/L 48 ZIPs Above guideline
lithium 9 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
PFTrDA 0.007 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline
11Cl-PF3OUdS 0.005 µg/L — 0 ZIPs Within guideline

Health Risk Profile for Philadelphia

The health reference levels for PFBS and PFPeA are non-enforceable screening benchmarks, not federal legal limits with penalties for exceeding them. EPA established these reference levels to flag concentrations where health effects may be a concern, particularly with long-term exposure. The peak PFBS reading of 0.01 micrograms per liter is above the 0.003 microgram-per-liter benchmark, which is why the water carries a higher-concern rating here.

Infants, pregnant individuals, and people with compromised immune systems are generally considered more sensitive to PFAS exposure. Some PFAS compounds have been associated in research with effects on immune function, thyroid hormones, and developmental outcomes, though the science on specific compounds like PFBS continues to evolve.

If you want to reduce PFAS in your drinking water, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) or NSF/ANSI P473 (specifically for PFOA and PFOS, often extended to other PFAS). NSF/ANSI is an independent third-party certification standard, so you can verify a filter's claims by checking the NSF label on the box or the NSF website. Given that chlorine-based disinfectants are also used, a filter rated for NSF/ANSI 42 can further reduce any taste or odor from residual disinfectants.

For most healthy adults, the detected levels represent a low acute risk. The concern is primarily about cumulative, long-term exposure. Running your tap for a few seconds before filling a glass does not reduce PFAS, as these compounds do not dissipate like chlorine.

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.

Waterdrop G3P600 Reverse Osmosis System
Under-sink RO system

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 Philadelphia Tap Water

Is Philadelphia tap water safe to drink?

Philadelphia tap water meets many federal standards but has a concern: recent EPA testing found two PFAS chemicals, PFBS and PFPeA, above EPA health reference levels. These are non-enforceable benchmarks, not legal violations, but they indicate levels where long-term exposure warrants attention. Healthy adults face low acute risk, but sensitive individuals such as pregnant people and infants may want to use a certified filter.

What contaminants are in Philadelphia tap water?

Recent EPA testing identified PFBS at a peak of 0.01 micrograms per liter, above the 0.003 microgram-per-liter health reference level, and PFPeA at a peak of 0.0136 micrograms per liter, also above the same benchmark. Three other compounds, PFTrDA, 11Cl-PF3OUdS, and lithium, were detected but did not exceed their respective guidelines. Chlorine-based disinfectants are used and leave a residual in tap water.

Where does Philadelphia get its drinking water?

Philadelphia's water comes primarily from the Philadelphia Water Department, which operates major treatment facilities including Queen Lane and Baxter. Aqua Pennsylvania also serves portions of the area through a network of smaller plants drawing on local surface and groundwater sources. Both utilities treat water extensively before it reaches homes.

Do I need a water filter in Philadelphia?

A filter is not strictly required for regulatory compliance, but given detected PFAS levels above EPA health reference benchmarks, one is a reasonable precaution. Look for a reverse osmosis system or pitcher filter certified to NSF/ANSI 58 or NSF/ANSI P473 for PFAS removal. Adding NSF/ANSI 42 certification will also address any chlorine taste or odor from disinfection residuals.

How often is Philadelphia tap water tested?

The Philadelphia Water Department is required to test regularly under federal and state rules and publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report. The EPA also conducts its own national monitoring of emerging contaminants. The PFAS detections shown here come from a recent round of EPA sampling, with the most recent results dated through late 2024.

What is the best water filter for Philadelphia?

For Philadelphia's contaminant profile, the best choice is a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) or NSF/ANSI P473 for PFAS reduction. A whole-house or under-sink reverse osmosis unit offers the broadest protection. Adding an NSF/ANSI 42-rated stage handles chlorine taste and odor. Always verify the certification on the NSF website before purchasing.

Tap water reports by ZIP in Philadelphia

Water utilities serving Philadelphia, 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.

Modeled boundaries are shown with a dashed outline.

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