Good Water Quality
Water Quality Summary
Tap water quality in Intercourse, Pennsylvania (17534) receives an overall grade of B (Good) with a score of 72 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 9 points above the Pennsylvania state average of 63. The area is served by 2 water systems providing water to approximately 1,690 people, using groundwater sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Copper that warrant attention. The area has 23 violations over the past 5 years, though none were classified as health-based.
A score of 72/100 means the water in Intercourse, 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.
Health Information
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 EPA data, tap water in Intercourse, Pennsylvania receives a grade of B (Good) with a score of 72/100. 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 17534 is served by 2 water systems using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 1,690 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 17534. 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 Intercourse, 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 Intercourse, Pennsylvania have received 23 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 (copper), residents in Intercourse, Pennsylvania should consider: Always look for filters with NSF/ANSI certification for the specific contaminants you want to remove.