19604
Reading, PA
Berks County · Reading, PA metro area
READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY
Is tap water in Berkshire Heights (19604) safe to drink?
Source: Official EPA UCMR5 federal monitoring data. Last tested December 2024.
Townships:
- Muhlenberg, PA
- Alsace, PA
Neighborhoods:
- Berkshire Heights
- Reading
The short answer for Berkshire Heights (19604)
Reading tap water has 15 contaminants above EPA guidelines, including PFPeA at 5.3× the limit (tested December 2024). See the full compound-by-compound breakdown and filter recommendations.
The health risk for Reading
PFAS ('forever chemicals') have been detected above EPA limits in this water system's most recent tests. These synthetic chemicals do not break down in the body and are linked to a range of health effects. A certified filter is strongly recommended.
- PFBS, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS, PFPeA above limit.
PFPeA concentration (µg/L)
December 2024
0 µg/L
0.003 µg/L
0.02 µg/L
0.016 µg/L
Detected
µg/L
0.003 µg/L
EPA limit
guideline
433% above limit
Comparison
vs. guideline
EPA limit: 0.003 µg/L | Your water: 0.016 µg/L
Certified Filters for Reading Tap Water
PFPeA (a PFAS 'forever chemical') was detected above EPA limits. These filters are independently certified to reduce common drinking-water contaminants.
Pitcher filter
Epic Pure XP Water Filter Pitcher
NSF-certified dual-layer filtration reduces 70+ contaminants including PFAS, lead, chlorine, microplastics, and bacteria.
NSF/ANSI 42, 53, 401 & P473Removes 99.99% PFASMade in USABPA-free
PFAS detected in 19604 · What you can do
Here's what actually removes PFAS from your water
The right filter eliminates PFAS at the tap. But not all filters do - and the type you choose matters for your home.
Common pitchers like Brita do not remove PFAS. You need a filter independently certified to NSF P473 (for pitcher filters) or NSF/ANSI 58 (for reverse osmosis systems). All three options below carry the relevant certification.
Certified PFAS filter types - how they differ
Certified Pitcher
Removes PFAS (99%+)
No installation, works today
Lowest upfront cost (~$70)
Must refill manually
Filters only what you pour in - not cooking water
Reverse Osmosis More complete
Removes PFAS + lead, arsenic, nitrates & more
Always-on - no refilling ever
Noticeably better tasting water
Filters drinking & cooking water automatically
Higher upfront cost ($200-$400)
Choose your option
Most elevated compounds
| Compound | Measurement | EPA Limit | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFPeA Tested: December 2024 · Well #13 Wellhouse |
0.016 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | 433% above limit |
| PFOS Tested: December 2024 · Wells #8 & #9 (#8 WH) |
0.011 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 188% above limit |
| PFOA Tested: December 2024 · Well #13 Wellhouse |
0.009 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 120% above limit |
| PFPeA Tested: December 2024 · Wells #8 & #9 (#8 WH) |
0.005 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | 83% above limit |
| PFHpA Tested: December 2024 · Well #13 Wellhouse |
0.005 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | 83% above limit |
View all tested compounds
Well #13 Wellhouse · Tested: December 2024
| Compound | Measurement | EPA Limit | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFPeA | 0.016 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | 433% above limit |
| PFOA | 0.009 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 120% above limit |
| PFHpA | 0.005 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | 83% above limit |
| PFBS | 0.005 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | 70% above limit |
| PFOS | 0.005 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 35% above limit |
| PFHxA | 0.016 µg/L | 3 µg/L | 0.5% of limit |
| PFBA | 0.007 µg/L | 6 µg/L | 0.1% of limit |
| lithium | <9.000 µg/L | 10 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHxS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| HFPO-DA | <0.005 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFNA | <0.004 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 4:2 FTS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| 6:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 8:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
| ADONA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDoA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFTrDA | <0.007 µg/L | 0.007 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFUnA | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
Wells #8 & #9 (#8 WH) · Tested: December 2024
| Compound | Measurement | EPA Limit | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS | 0.011 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 188% above limit |
| PFPeA | 0.005 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | 83% above limit |
| PFBS | 0.004 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | 37% above limit |
| PFOA | 0.005 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 25% above limit |
| PFHxS | 0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 7% above limit |
| PFHxA | 0.005 µg/L | 3 µg/L | 0.2% of limit |
| lithium | <9.000 µg/L | 10 µg/L | Below limit |
| HFPO-DA | <0.005 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFNA | <0.004 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFBA | <0.005 µg/L | 6 µg/L | Below limit |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 4:2 FTS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| 6:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 8:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
| ADONA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDoA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFTrDA | <0.007 µg/L | 0.007 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFUnA | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
Maidencreek WTP · Tested: October 2024
| Compound | Measurement | EPA Limit | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFBS | 0.005 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | 70% above limit |
| PFPeA | 0.005 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | 63% above limit |
| PFOA | 0.006 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 45% above limit |
| PFHxA | 0.004 µg/L | 3 µg/L | 0.1% of limit |
| lithium | <9.000 µg/L | 10 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHxS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| HFPO-DA | <0.005 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFNA | <0.004 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFBA | <0.005 µg/L | 6 µg/L | Below limit |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 4:2 FTS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| 6:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 8:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
| ADONA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDoA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFOS | <0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFTrDA | <0.007 µg/L | 0.007 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFUnA | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
Well #6 Wellhouse · Tested: December 2024
| Compound | Measurement | EPA Limit | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFOS | 0.005 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | 20% above limit |
| PFPeA | 0.004 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | 17% above limit |
| PFNA | 0.004 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | 43% of limit |
| lithium | <9.000 µg/L | 10 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHxS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| HFPO-DA | <0.005 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHxA | <0.003 µg/L | 3 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFBA | <0.005 µg/L | 6 µg/L | Below limit |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 4:2 FTS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| 6:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 8:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
| ADONA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFBS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDoA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFOA | <0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFTrDA | <0.007 µg/L | 0.007 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFUnA | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
Shop Kitchen Sink · Tested: December 2024
| Compound | Measurement | EPA Limit | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| lithium | <9.000 µg/L | 10 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHxS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| HFPO-DA | <0.005 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFNA | <0.004 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHxA | <0.003 µg/L | 3 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFBA | <0.005 µg/L | 6 µg/L | Below limit |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 4:2 FTS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| 6:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 8:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
| ADONA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFBS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDoA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFOA | <0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFOS | <0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFPeA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFTrDA | <0.007 µg/L | 0.007 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFUnA | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
Treatment Bldg. · Tested: December 2024
| Compound | Measurement | EPA Limit | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| lithium | <9.000 µg/L | 10 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHxS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| HFPO-DA | <0.005 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFNA | <0.004 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHxA | <0.003 µg/L | 3 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFBA | <0.005 µg/L | 6 µg/L | Below limit |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 4:2 FTS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| 6:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 8:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
| ADONA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFBS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDoA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFOA | <0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFOS | <0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFPeA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFTrDA | <0.007 µg/L | 0.007 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFUnA | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
Well #12 Wellhouse · Tested: December 2024
| Compound | Measurement | EPA Limit | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| lithium | <9.000 µg/L | 10 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHxS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| HFPO-DA | <0.005 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFNA | <0.004 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHxA | <0.003 µg/L | 3 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFBA | <0.005 µg/L | 6 µg/L | Below limit |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 4:2 FTS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| 6:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 8:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
| ADONA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFBS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDoA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFOA | <0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFOS | <0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFPeA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFTrDA | <0.007 µg/L | 0.007 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFUnA | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
Well #14 Wellhouse · Tested: December 2024
| Compound | Measurement | EPA Limit | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| lithium | <9.000 µg/L | 10 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHxS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| HFPO-DA | <0.005 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFNA | <0.004 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHxA | <0.003 µg/L | 3 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFBA | <0.005 µg/L | 6 µg/L | Below limit |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 4:2 FTS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| 6:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 8:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
| ADONA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFBS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDoA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFOA | <0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFOS | <0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFPeA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFTrDA | <0.007 µg/L | 0.007 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFUnA | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
Well #15 Wellhouse · Tested: December 2024
| Compound | Measurement | EPA Limit | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:2 FTS | 0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | 100% of limit |
| lithium | <9.000 µg/L | 10 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHxS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| HFPO-DA | <0.005 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFNA | <0.004 µg/L | 0.01 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHxA | <0.003 µg/L | 3 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFBA | <0.005 µg/L | 6 µg/L | Below limit |
| 11Cl-PF3OUdS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 4:2 FTS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| 6:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 8:2 FTS | <0.005 µg/L | 0.005 µg/L | Below limit |
| 9Cl-PF3ONS | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
| ADONA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFBS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFDoA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFHpS | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFOA | <0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFOS | <0.004 µg/L | 0.004 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFPeA | <0.003 µg/L | 0.003 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFTrDA | <0.007 µg/L | 0.007 µg/L | Below limit |
| PFUnA | <0.002 µg/L | 0.002 µg/L | Below limit |
Water utilities serving ZIP 19604
Service area boundaries are approximate and based on state filings or modeled estimates. Contact your utility to confirm exact service at a specific address.
- READING AREA WATER AUTHORITYAction advised
Modeled boundaries are shown with a dashed outline.
Frequently Asked Questions about ZIP 19604 Tap Water
What contaminants are above EPA limits in ZIP 19604?
ZIP 19604 has 15 contaminants above EPA health guidelines in the latest available data, including PFPeA at 5.3x the EPA guideline. The full table on this page lists every tested compound and its measured level.
Will boiling ZIP 19604 tap water remove PFPeA?
No. Boiling does not remove PFAS, and the compounds can actually become more concentrated as water evaporates. To reduce PFAS at home, use a filter independently certified to NSF/ANSI P473 (activated-carbon pitcher or under-sink) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis).
Do basic pitcher filters remove PFPeA?
Most basic pitcher filters are only certified to NSF/ANSI 42 or 53, which do not cover PFAS. Look for a filter independently certified to NSF/ANSI P473 (activated-carbon pitcher or under-sink) or NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) on the spec sheet.
Who provides tap water in ZIP 19604?
Public records identify READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY as a primary water system associated with ZIP 19604. Service boundaries can vary by address, so confirm exact service with the utility.
When was ZIP 19604 tap water last tested?
The most recent test date used in this report is December 2024. EnviroClarity last refreshed this page on 2026-05-05.
Where can I find the official water quality report for ZIP 19604?
Every U.S. public water system is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Contact READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY or visit their website for the latest official report covering ZIP 19604. The EPA also maintains a national CCR locator.
Check another ZIP code
Nearby ZIP reports
- 19601 - Berkshire Heights, Reading tap water report
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Data reflects publicly reported utility records from EPA datasets and local utility disclosures. This information is educational and not medical advice.