D
38

Poor Water Quality

Horsham, PA 19044

Montgomery County · Population served: 861,501 · Data updated March 2026

Water Systems Serving This Area

🏔
AQUA PA HATBORO
Surface water · Pop. 12,901
PWSID: PA1460028
🏔
HORSHAM WATER&SEWER AUTHORITY
Surface water · Pop. 26,000
PWSID: PA1460033
🏔
AQUA PA MAIN SYSTEM
Surface water · Pop. 822,600
PWSID: PA1460073

Contaminants Detected

ContaminantDetected LevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
Lead
4.3
15 ppb 1 ppb Warning

PFAS / Forever Chemicals

25 detected 8 above EPA limits
CompoundLevelEPA MCLHealth GuidelineStatus
PFPeA65.3 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFBA41.4 pptNo standard500 pptUnregulated
PFOS33.8 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFPeA21.8 pptNo standardUnregulated
PFOS21.5 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFOA17.5 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded
PFHxA17.2 pptNo standard400 pptUnregulated
PFOA16.2 ppt4 ppt4 pptExceeded

Violation History (Last 5 Years)

445Total (5yr)
1Health-Based
435Major

Water Quality Summary

Understanding Your Water in Horsham

Tap water quality in Horsham, Pennsylvania (19044) receives an overall grade of D (Poor) with a score of 38 out of 100, based on analysis of EPA compliance data, contaminant testing, and violation history. This is 25 points below the Pennsylvania state average of 63. Compared to the national average (75), this area scores significantly lower. The area is served by 3 water systems providing water to approximately 861,501 people, using surface water sources. Testing has found elevated levels of Lead that warrant attention. Notably, 8 PFAS compounds exceed EPA limits — a significant concern given the persistent nature of these chemicals. Over the past 5 years, water systems here have accumulated 445 violations, including 1 health-based violations.

Your Score 38/100 D
vs State 25 pts below Pennsylvania avg (63)
vs National 37 pts below national avg (75)

What a Grade D Means

A score of 38/100 signals poor water quality in Horsham, PA. Significant issues have been identified, which may include multiple violations, contaminant levels near or above regulatory limits, or PFAS contamination. We recommend reviewing the detailed contaminant data below, considering a certified water filter, and checking your utility's Consumer Confidence Report for the latest information.

Surface water: sourced from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs

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

Tap water in Horsham, Pennsylvania receives a grade of D (Poor) with a score of 38/100. This indicates significant water quality concerns based on violation history, contaminant levels, or enforcement actions. We recommend reviewing the specific contaminants detected below and considering a certified water filter.

ZIP code 19044 is served by 3 water systems using surface water sources, providing water to approximately 861,501 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 was detected at 4.3 ppb in Horsham, Pennsylvania. While this is below the EPA action level of 15 ppb, it exceeds the health guideline of 1 ppb recommended by health organizations. Consider a certified lead filter, especially if you have young children.

Yes — 25 PFAS compounds were detected in water serving Horsham, Pennsylvania, and 8 exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels. PFAS are persistent chemicals linked to cancer, immune system effects, and developmental issues. A reverse osmosis or activated carbon filter certified for PFAS removal is recommended.

Water systems serving Horsham, Pennsylvania have received 445 violations in the last 5 years, including 1 health-based violation. 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 Horsham, 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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