B
83

Good Water Quality

Catawissa, PA 17820

Columbia County · Population served: 1,644 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

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CATAWISSA MUNICIPAL WATER AUTH
Groundwater · Pop. 1,644
PWSID: PA4190011

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

5Total (5yr)
0Health-Based
3Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Catawissa

Tap water quality in Catawissa, Pennsylvania (17820) receives an overall grade of B (Good) with a score of 83 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 20 points above the Pennsylvania state average of 63. The area is served by Catawissa Municipal Water Auth, a groundwater system providing water to approximately 1,644 people.

Your Score 83/100 B
vs State 20 pts above Pennsylvania avg (63)
vs National 8 pts above national avg (75)

What a Grade B Means

A score of 83/100 means the water in Catawissa, 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.

Groundwater: drawn from underground aquifers via wells

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on EPA data, tap water in Catawissa, Pennsylvania receives a grade of B (Good) with a score of 83/100. 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 17820 is served by 1 water system using groundwater sources, providing water to approximately 1,644 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 17820. 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 Catawissa, 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 Catawissa, Pennsylvania have received 5 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 Catawissa, 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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