US Water Score: B
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead |
16.0
|
15 ppb | 1 ppb |
UCMR5 occurrence results are screening information, not a finding of regulatory compliance or noncompliance. PFAS rules and compliance dates are evolving.
| Compound | Level | EPA MCL | Health Guideline | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFBS | 23.1 ppt | 2000 ppt | 100 ppt | Below comparison value |
| PFBA | 8.5 ppt | No standard | 500 ppt | No federal MCL shown |
| PFPeA | 5.8 ppt | No standard | — | No federal MCL shown |
| PFHxA | 5.5 ppt | No standard | 400 ppt | No federal MCL shown |
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Fombell, Pennsylvania (16123) receives an overall grade of B (Moderate-low record-based concern) with a score of 79 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 15 points above the Pennsylvania state average of 64. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 17,200 people, using surface water sources. PFAS testing detected 4 compounds, all below the EPA final MCL values used for comparison.
A score of 79/100 means Fombell, PA performs well in the US Water Score model, with only minor system-level concerns. Residents should still review their utility's Consumer Confidence Report for official compliance information and household-specific context.
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.
Common Questions
Based on public water-system records, Fombell, Pennsylvania receives an internal US Water Score grade of B (Moderate-low record-based concern) with a score of 79/100. 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 16123 is served by 2 water systems using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 17,200 people. Surface water systems are more susceptible to contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and weather events, but typically undergo more extensive treatment including filtration and disinfection.
Lead levels in the public-system record for Fombell, Pennsylvania are 16.0 ppb, above the currently applicable EPA action level of 15 ppb. EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements lower that action level to 10 ppb when the new requirements take effect. This system-level result does not measure an individual tap; consider a certified lead-removal filter and independent tap testing.
4 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Fombell, Pennsylvania, with reported values below the EPA final MCL values used by this site. This comparison is informational: federal compliance timelines and the status of some PFAS standards are still evolving. Activated carbon or reverse osmosis filters can reduce some PFAS when appropriately certified and maintained.
Water systems serving Fombell, Pennsylvania have received 7 violations 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 (lead, PFAS), residents in Fombell, Pennsylvania should consider: Reverse osmosis (RO) system — most effective for PFAS, lead, and other contaminants. Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.
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