US Water Score: A
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead |
0.0
|
15 ppb | 1 ppb | Passed |
| Copper |
1540.0
|
1300 ppb | 300 ppb |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in South Heights, Pennsylvania (15081) receives an overall grade of A (Lower record-based concern) with a score of 86 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 22 points above the Pennsylvania state average of 64. Compared to the national average (75), this area performs significantly better. The area is served by Creswell Heights Jt Auth, a groundwater system providing water to approximately 15,000 people.
A score of 86/100 means public water-system records for South Heights, PA show relatively few concerns in the US Water Score model. This is an internal score, not an EPA safety rating, and it does not guarantee conditions at any specific tap.
Health Information
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.
Even low levels of lead exposure can cause developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects in adults. The EPA action level is 15 ppb, but health experts recommend no safe level of lead in drinking water.
Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.
If lead is detected above 1 ppb, consider using a certified lead-removal filter (NSF/ANSI 53) for drinking and cooking water. Run cold water for 30 seconds before use if water has been sitting in pipes.
Copper can leach into water from copper plumbing, especially in newer homes or when water is acidic.
Short-term exposure above 1,300 ppb can cause gastrointestinal distress. Long-term exposure may cause liver or kidney damage. People with Wilson's disease are especially vulnerable.
Copper pipes, fittings, and faucets are the most common source. Corrosive (low-pH) water accelerates copper leaching.
If copper levels are elevated, flush pipes by running water for 15–30 seconds before use. Reverse osmosis and distillation systems effectively remove copper.
Common Questions
Based on public water-system records, South Heights, Pennsylvania receives an internal US Water Score grade of A (Lower record-based concern) with a score of 86/100. This indicates relatively few system-level concerns in our model, but it is not an EPA safety rating and does not guarantee tap conditions inside individual homes.
ZIP code 15081 is served by 1 water system using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 15,000 people. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, often requiring less treatment. However, it can be vulnerable to contamination from underground sources like naturally occurring arsenic, nitrates from agriculture, or PFAS from industrial sites.
Lead levels in South Heights, Pennsylvania are 0.0 ppb, which is at or below the health guideline of 1 ppb. This is a positive result, though periodic testing is still recommended.
No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving South Heights, Pennsylvania during the most recent EPA monitoring period (UCMR5). However, not all water systems have been tested for all PFAS compounds, and new contamination can occur over time.
Water systems serving South Heights, Pennsylvania have received 1 violation in the last 5 years. Violations can range from paperwork issues (monitoring & reporting) to serious health-based violations where contaminant levels exceeded safe limits. Review the violation details above for specifics.
Based on detected contaminants (copper), residents in South Heights, Pennsylvania should consider: Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.
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