Good Water Quality
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania (16145) receives an overall grade of B (Good) with a score of 75 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 12 points above the Pennsylvania state average of 63. The area is served by Sandy Lake Boro, a groundwater system providing water to approximately 1,100 people. The area has 28 violations over the past 5 years, though none were classified as health-based.
A score of 75/100 means the water in Sandy Lake, PA is generally good and meets EPA standards, with only minor areas of concern. There may be low levels of detectable contaminants or a small number of non-critical violations. Most residents can feel comfortable with their tap water quality, though basic filtration can provide an extra layer of protection.
Common Questions
Based on EPA data, tap water in Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania receives a grade of B (Good) with a score of 75/100. This indicates the water meets federal standards and has relatively few concerns. However, individual homes may still have localized issues such as lead from old plumbing.
ZIP code 16145 is served by 1 water system using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 1,100 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.
No lead data is currently available for ZIP code 16145. This may mean lead testing results haven't been reported recently, or the serving water system uses monitoring waivers. You can request a free lead test kit from most water utilities or purchase a certified home testing kit.
No PFAS ("forever chemicals") were detected in water systems serving Sandy Lake, 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 Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania have received 28 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.
Water in Sandy Lake, 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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