C
68

US Water Score: C

Youngwood, PA 15697

Westmoreland County · Population served: 133,000 · Data updated July 2026

Service-area evidence: EPA service-area records associate the listed system with this ZIP. Boundaries may still overlap or change.

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
MAWC YOUGH PLANT
Surface water · Pop. 133,000
PWSID: PA5260036
🌊
NEW CASTLE ESTATES
Groundwater · Pop. 80
PWSID: PA6370014

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
0.0
15 ppb 1 ppb Passed

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

57Total (5yr)
2Health-Based
47Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Youngwood

Tap water quality in Youngwood, Pennsylvania (15697) receives an overall grade of C (Mixed record-based signals) with a score of 68 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is roughly in line with the Pennsylvania state average of 64. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 133,000 people, using surface water and groundwater sources. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 57 violations, including 2 health-based violations.

Your Score 68/100 C
vs State 4 pts above Pennsylvania avg (64)
vs National 7 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade C Means

A score of 68/100 indicates fair performance in the US Water Score model for Youngwood, PA. The records show noteworthy concerns, such as elevated contaminant levels, violation history, or both. Review the detailed contaminant data and official utility reports before making decisions.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs
Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Health Information

What These Contaminants Mean for You

⚠️

Lead in Your Water

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach from aging pipes and plumbing fixtures.

Health Effects

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.

Common Sources

Lead enters water primarily through corrosion of lead service lines, lead solder, and brass fixtures — especially in homes built before 1986.

What You Can Do

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.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Youngwood, Pennsylvania receives an internal US Water Score grade of C (Fair) with a score of 68/100. Our model found some system-level concerns, such as violation history or elevated contaminant levels. Review your utility's Consumer Confidence Report and consult a qualified professional for household-specific health questions.

ZIP code 15697 is served by 2 water systems using surface water, groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 133,000 people. Multiple source types mean your water may come from a blend of surface and underground sources.

Lead levels in Youngwood, 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 Youngwood, 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 Youngwood, Pennsylvania have received 57 violations in the last 5 years, including 2 health-based violations. 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.

Water in Youngwood, Pennsylvania shows no major contaminant concerns based on available data. A basic carbon filter can improve taste and reduce chlorine. For extra peace of mind, an NSF-certified pitcher filter or faucet-mount filter provides an affordable layer of protection.

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