Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in York?
Yes, York's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as York has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page, the city's water provider website, or York's local Twitter account.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, York's water utility, York Water Co, had 2 non-health-based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for York was resolved on Oct. 31, 2019. This assessment is based on the York Water Co water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for York Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in York tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in York's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
York Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named York Water Co for York in Pennsylvania. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
From Oct. 1, 2019 to Oct. 31, 2019, York had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Turbidity (Enhanced SWTR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
From Sept. 1, 2019 to Sept. 30, 2019, York had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Turbidity (Enhanced SWTR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
From April 1, 2018 to June 30, 2018, York had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: CARBON, TOTAL.
From July 1, 2014 to Sept. 30, 2014, York had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: CARBON, TOTAL.
From Oct. 1, 2012 to Dec. 31, 2012, York had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant code: CARBON, TOTAL.
Is there Lead in York Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the York water system, York Water Co, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.00351 mg/L of lead in York water. This is 23.4% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from York contained more lead.
While York water testing may have found 0.00351 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in York Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - Harrisburg International Airport - near York with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if York has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
York SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years
| Compliance Period | Status | Health-Based? | Category Code | Code | Rule Code | Contaminant Code | Rule Group Code | Rule Family Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/01/2019 - 10/31/2019 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring, Turbidity (Enhanced SWTR) (38) | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (122) | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0300) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
| 09/01/2019 - 09/30/2019 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring, Turbidity (Enhanced SWTR) (38) | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (122) | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0300) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
| 04/01/2018 - 06/30/2018 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) | CARBON, TOTAL (2920) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) |
| 07/01/2014 - 09/30/2014 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) | CARBON, TOTAL (2920) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) |
| 10/01/2012 - 12/31/2012 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) | CARBON, TOTAL (2920) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 1 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (210) |
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
|
| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
|
| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
|
For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
York Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Mail: | 130 E MARKET ST YORK, PA, 17405 |
Existing customers can login to their York Water Co account to pay their York water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your York Water Co bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your York water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your York water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in York means you will often need to put the water in your name with York Water Co. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in York means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with York Water Co. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in York, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
York Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from York's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
2020 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
P u b l i c W a t e r S y s t e m I . D . 7 6 7 0 1 0 0
We’re pleased to present to you this year’s
ANNUAL DRINKING WATER QUALITY REPORT
This report is to inform you about the fine quality water and services The York Water Company delivers to you every day. Our constant goal is to provide you with a safe and goaldependableis to providesupplyouof withdrinkinga safewaterand. Wedependablewant yousupplyto of drinkingunderstandwatheer. Weeffortswantweyoumaketo understo continuallyand theimproveefforts wethe waterm ke totreatmentcontinuallyprocessimproveandtheto protectwa r treatmentour waterprocessresources. andWe areto protectcommittedour waterto ensuringresourcesthe.qualityWe areofcommittedyour waterto. ensuring the quality of your water.
‘Este informe contiene información muy importante sobre‘Este suinformeagua bebercontiene. Tradúzcaloinformaciónó hablemuyconimportantealguien que lo sobreentiendasu aguabien.beber. Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien que lo entienda bien.
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves
Contaminants that may be present in source water
include:
- Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
1
W a t e r P r o c e s s i n g F l o w C h a r t
CONTAMINANTS THAT MAY BE PRESENT IN SOURCE WATER
(CONTINUED)
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the Environmental Protection Agency prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. Food and Drug Administration regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.
2
were detected during our testing process are detailed on pages
- Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban stormwater runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.
- Pesticides and herbicides, which
may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
-
Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are
by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems. -
Radioactive contaminants, which can be
naturally-occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
Your water source is the combined flow of the South and East Branches of the Codorus Creek. The Company’s two lakes, Lake Williams and Lake Redman (William H. Kain County Park), are located on the East Branch of the Codorus Creek and are both used to release water into the Creek during periods of drought or other
Our primary source water pumping station is located in Spring Garden Township,York County. The source water is pumped approximately 2.2 miles to our purification plant which is also located in Spring Garden Township. In 2017, the Company completed an alternate pumping station at Lake Redman, allowing us to pump water directly from Lake Redman approximately 3.0 miles to our purification plant.
We are pleased to report that our drinking water is safe and meets Federal and State requirements. Those items that
If you have any other questions
concerning the Company and its operations, please contact JT Hand, President and CEO. We want our valued customers to be informed about their water utility
Although our Company’s Board of Directors meets regularly throughout the year, the meetings are not open to the public. If you have concerns, questions or suggestions that need the Board’s attention, please contact JT Hand. Your inquiries will receive prompt attention.
The York Water Company routinely monitors for constituents in your drinking water according to Federal and State laws. The table beginning on page 6 shows the results of our monitoring for the period
of January 1 to December 31, 2020.
IN THIS REPORT MANY TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS MAY NOT BE FAMILIAR TO YOU.
To help you better understand these terms, we’ve provided the definitions which appear on this page.
Laboratory analysis indicates that the constituent is not present.
Parts per million (ppm) or
Milligrams per liter (mg/l)
One part per million corresponds to one minute in two years, or a single penny in $10,000.
Parts per billion (ppb) or
Micrograms per liter
One part per billion corresponds to one minute in 2,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000.
Parts per trillion (ppt) or
Nanograms per liter (nanograms/l)
One part per trillion corresponds to one minute in 2,000,000 years, or a single penny in $10,000,000,000.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant
Level (MRDL)
The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.
Maximum Residual Disinfectant
Level Goal (MRDLG)
The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.
Nephelometric Turbidity Unit (NTU)
Nephelometric turbidity unit is a measure of the clarity of water. Turbidity in excess of 5 NTU is just noticeable to the average person.
Action Level
The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.
3
Treatment Technique (TT)
A treatment technique is a required
process intended to reduce the level
of a contaminant in drinking water.
Maximum Contaminant Level
The “Maximum Allowed” (MCL) is the highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs
are set as close to the MCLGs (see below) as feasible using the best available treatment technology. MCLs are set at very stringent levels. A person would have to drink 2 liters of water at the MCL level every day for a lifetime to have a
Maximum Contaminant Level Goal
The “Goal” (MCLG) is the level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety.
WE CONSTANTLY MONITOR THE WATER SUPPLY FOR VARIOUS CONSTITUENTS.
Although we have not detected crypto- sporidium in the finished water or in our primary or secondary sources, we did detect a
and if not properly treated, may cause serious illness.
Nitrate:
Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 ppm is a health risk for infants of less than six months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. If you are caring for an infant, you should ask for advice from your health care provider.
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population.
for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by cryptosporidium and other microbiological contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline
Lead:
Infants and children who drink water containing lead in excess of the action level could experience delays in their physical or mental development. Children could show slight deficits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. TheYork Water Company is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by following the
As you can see by the table, our system had no water quality violations. We’re proud that your drinking water meets or exceeds all Federal and State requirements. We have
4
learned through our monitoring and testing that some constituents have been detected. The Environmental Protection Agency has determined that your water IS SAFE at these levels.
All drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that the water poses
a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency Safe Drinking Water Hotline at
Source Water Assessment:
The Company’s Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) has been completed. It identifies potential urban and agricultural sources of contamination and assigns low to moderate levels of risk. The report is available for review at the Company’s office at 130 East Market Street,York, PA.
Special explanations regarding some common contaminants include:
Total Coliform:
The Total Coliform Rule requires water systems to meet a stricter limit for coliform bacteria. Coliform bacteria are usually harmless, but their presence in water can be an indication of
The items detected during 2020 follow on pages 6 to 9.
FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
Is my water hard or soft?
Hardness describes the level of dissolved natural minerals (calcium and magnesium) in drinking water. These minerals are an important part of a healthy diet. Hard water contains more of these minerals.
-
gradual
build-up of calcium and magnesium from hard water can form harmless, filmy white deposits on faucets, bathtubs and teakettles.
Hard water also requires more soap to lather fully. While some water system’s hardness varies from time to time, The York Water system is consistent
Hardness can be expressed in grains per gallon or parts per million (ppm). York Water’s hardness range is approximately 5.3 grains or 92 ppm. York’s water falls into the transition range from soft to moderately hard.
Why is there chlorine in my water?
A century ago, serious diseases such as typhoid fever and cholera were a very real threat to our health because the microorganisms that caused these diseases were found in public drinking water.
However, for over 100 years, water suppliers in America and other countries have used chlorine to treat, or disinfect, drinking water. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other health agencies, chlorine is currently one of the most effective disinfectants to kill harmful microorganisms. Disinfection of all public water supplies is required by Federal and State laws and regulations, including the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Does The York Water Company add fluoride to my water?
The York Water Company does not add fluoride to the water with the exception of our West Manheim customers. West Manheim fluoridated its water prior to York Water’s acquisition in 2008.
As a condition of the acquisition, York Water has continued to fluoridate in West Manheim. Elsewhere in the system, a small amount of fluoride does occur naturally in your water. The amount varies from time to time. In 2020, fluoride was measured at less than 0.100 ppm in your water supply.
5
Why does my water look milky or cloudy at times?
The cloudy water is caused by tiny air bubbles in the water similar to the gas bubbles in beer and soda pop. After a little while, the bubbles rise to the top and are gone. The cloudiness may occur more often in winter when the drinking water is cold and can be enhanced by the aerators that are installed on modern home faucets.
Does The York Water Company monitor for any other contaminants?
The York Water Company has sampled for a series of unregulated contaminants. Unregulated contaminants are those that don’t yet have a drinking water standard set by USEPA. The purpose of monitoring for these contaminants is to help EPA decide whether the contaminants should have a standard. As our customers, you have a right to know that this data is available.
If you are interested in examining the results, please visit our web page at www.yorkwater.com to view our 2020 Water Quality Analysis or contact Mr. Steve Aumen, Assistant Purification Superintendent at (717)
6
2020 TEST RESULTS
ENTRY POINT DISINFECTANT RESIDUAL
Contaminant |
Units |
Minimum |
Lowest |
Range of |
Sample |
Compliance |
Source |
|
|
Disinfectant |
Level |
Detections |
Date |
Achieved |
|
|
|
Residual |
Detected |
|
|
Yes/No |
|
Chloramine |
ppm |
0.2 |
0.40 |
0.40 - 2.77 |
2020 |
Yes |
Water additive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
used to control |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
microbes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
Microbial (related to Assessments/Corrective Actions regarding TC positive results)
Contaminant |
Treatment Technique |
Maximum |
Assessments/ |
Compliance |
Source |
|
|
Contaminant Level |
Corrective |
Achieved |
|
|
|
Goal (MCLG) |
Actions |
Yes/No |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Coliform |
Any system that has failed to complete all the |
N/A |
0 – None |
Yes |
Naturally |
Bacteria |
required assessments or correct all identified |
|
Needed |
|
present in the |
|
sanitary defects is in violation of the treatment |
|
|
|
environment |
|
technique requirement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Microbial (related to E. coli )
Contaminant |
Maximum Contaminant |
Maximum |
Positive |
Compliance |
Source |
|
Level (MCL) |
Contaminant Level |
Sample(s) |
Achieved |
|
|
|
Goal (MCLG) |
|
Yes/No |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
E. coli |
Routine and repeat samples are total |
0 |
0 |
Yes |
Human and |
|
|
|
|
animal fecal |
|
|
or system fails to take repeat samples |
|
|
|
waste |
|
following E. |
|
|
|
|
|
system fails to analyze total |
|
|
|
|
|
repeat sample for E. coli |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7
2020 TEST RESULTS
MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANTS
Microbial (related to E. coli )
Contaminant |
Treatment Technique |
Maximum |
Assessments/ |
Compliance |
Source |
|||||
|
|
|
|
Contaminant Level |
Corrective |
Achieved |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
Goal (MCLG) |
Actions |
Yes/No |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
E. coli |
Any system that has failed to complete all the |
N/A |
0 – None |
Yes |
Human and |
|||||
|
required assessments or correct all identified |
|
|
|
|
Needed |
|
animal fecal |
||
|
sanitary defects is in violation of the treatment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
waste |
||
|
technique requirement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Detected |
Units |
Maximum Contaminant |
|
Maximum |
|
Results |
Compliance |
Source |
||
Parameter |
|
Level (MCL) |
|
Contaminant Level |
|
Achieved |
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
Goal (MCLG) |
|
|
Yes/No |
|
|
Total Coliform |
% Positive |
Presence of coliform bacteria in |
|
0 |
|
|
0 |
Yes |
Naturally |
|
Bacteria |
Sample |
less than 5% of monthly samples |
|
|
|
|
|
present in |
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
environment |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fecal Coliform |
Number of |
A routine sample and repeat |
|
0 |
|
|
0 |
Yes |
Human and |
|
and E. coli |
Samples |
sample are total coliform positive, |
|
|
|
|
|
animal fecal |
||
|
|
and one is also fecal coliform or |
|
|
|
|
|
waste |
||
|
|
E. coli positive |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
TURBIDITY – A MEASURE OF THE CLARITY OF THE WATER |
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
Detected |
Units |
Maximum Contaminant |
|
Highest Monthly |
|
Highest |
Compliance |
Source |
||
Parameter |
|
Level (MCL) |
|
Average of All |
|
Single |
Achieved |
|
||
|
|
|
|
Readings for 2020 |
|
Measurement |
Yes/No |
|
||
Turbidity |
NTU |
TT- 95% of all monthly |
|
100% of all |
|
0.058 |
Yes |
Soil erosion |
||
|
|
samples taken must be |
|
monthly samples |
|
|
|
|
and runoff |
|
|
|
less than or equal to |
|
were less than |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.3 NTU |
|
0.1 NTU |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8
2020 TEST RESULTS
INORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
Detected |
Units |
Maximum |
Maximum |
Results |
Range of |
Compliance |
Source |
Parameter |
|
Contaminant |
Contaminant Level |
|
Detected Levels |
Achieved |
|
|
|
Level (MCL) |
Goal (MCLG) |
|
(if applicable) |
Yes/No |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Barium |
ppm |
2 |
2 |
0.016 |
NA |
Yes |
Discharge of drilling |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
wastes; discharge from |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
metal refineries; erosion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of natural deposits |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nitrate |
ppm |
10 |
10 |
3.30 |
2.30 - 4.40 |
Yes |
Runoff from fertilizer |
(as Nitrogen) |
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use; leaching from |
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septic tanks, sewage; |
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erosion of natural |
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deposits |
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Detected |
Units |
Maximum |
Maximum Residual |
Results |
Range of |
Compliance |
Source |
Parameter |
|
Residual |
Disinfectant Level |
|
Detected Levels |
Achieved |
|
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Disinfectant |
Goal (MRDLG) |
|
(if applicable) |
Yes/No |
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Level (MRDL) |
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Chloramines |
ppm |
4 |
4 |
2.39 |
0.23 - 2.98 |
Yes |
Water additive used to |
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control microbes |
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Atrazine |
ppb |
3 |
3 |
0.33 |
NA |
Yes |
Runoff from herbicide |
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used on row crops |
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Fluoride* |
ppm |
2 |
2 |
0.72 |
0.60 - 0.84 |
Yes |
Erosion of natural |
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deposits; water additive |
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which promotes |
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strong teeth; discharge |
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from fertilizer and |
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aluminum factories |
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* WEST MANHEIM CUSTOMERS ONLY |
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9
2020 TEST RESULTS
LEAD AND COPPER MEASURED AT THE CUSTOMER’S TAP
(RESULTS FROM 2019 SAMPLING. NEXT DUE IN 2022)
Detected |
Units |
EPA’s Action Level |
Maximum |
Results |
Number of |
Compliance |
Source |
Parameter |
|
for Sampling of |
Contaminant Level |
|
Sites Above the |
Achieved |
|
|
|
Customer Homes |
Goal (MCLG) |
|
EPA Action Level |
Yes/No |
|
Lead |
ppb |
90% of all homes |
0 |
90% of all |
1 of the 50 |
Yes |
Corrosion of |
|
|
tested must be |
|
homes tested |
homes tested |
|
household |
|
|
below 15 ppb |
|
measured below |
measured greater |
|
plumbing |
|
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3.5 ppb |
than 15 ppb |
|
systems |
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Copper |
ppm |
90% of all homes |
1.3 |
90% of all |
50 of 50 homes |
Yes |
Corrosion of |
|
|
tested must be |
|
homes tested |
tested measured |
|
household |
|
|
below 1.3 ppm |
|
measured below |
below 0.095 ppm |
|
plumbing |
|
|
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|
0.029 ppm |
|
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systems |
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Note: You can minimize your exposure to lead and copper by following the
VOLATILE ORGANIC CHEMICALS
Detected |
Units |
Maximum Contaminant |
Maximum |
Results |
Range of |
Compliance |
Source |
Parameter |
|
Level (MCL) |
Contaminant |
|
Detected |
Achieved |
|
|
|
|
Level Goal (MCLG) |
|
Levels |
Yes/No |
|
Trihalo- |
ppb |
Average of last four |
0 |
30.8 |
11.7 - 67.2 |
Yes |
|
methanes |
|
consecutive quarterly |
|
|
|
|
disinfectant |
|
|
sample results must be |
|
|
|
|
addition |
|
|
less than or equal to |
|
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|
|
80 ppb |
|
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Haloacetic |
ppb |
Average of last four |
0 |
23.2 |
11.6 - 52.3 |
Yes |
|
Acids |
|
consecutive quarterly |
|
|
|
|
disinfectant |
|
|
sample results must be |
|
|
|
|
addition |
|
|
less than or equal to |
|
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|
60 ppb |
|
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The York Water Company
205th Year of Service
1816 - 2021
February 18, 1816, The York Water Company was formed by a group of leading York Citizens to protect against the danger of fire. Today, the company is the oldest investor owned utility in the United States.
1840 Original wooden mains replaced with cast iron pipes.
1848 First step into the modern era, extension of water mains, pumping station built, and reservoir expanded. 1897 Brillhart raw
1899 The York Water Company Filtration Plant, designed by George W. Fuller, is placed in service.
1912 The Company’s first impounding dam to create Lake Williams Reservoir completed.
1967 Lake Redman Reservoir completed.
1977 William H. Kain County Park open to the public for
2005 Pumping station built on the Susquehanna River.
2016 The York Water Company celebrated the 200th anniversary of uninterrupted service!
2017 Lake Redman raw
Photo (above): Employees of The York Water Company in front of the Company’s Headquarters, built in 1929.
Photo (front cover): Fall morning mists overlooking Lake Redman which provides 1.3 billion gallons of reserve water storage for drinking water and recreation for York County's residents. The
130 East Market Street |
www.yorkwater.com |
York, Pennsylvania 17401 |
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Contaminants
York Water Company
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 159623
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Surface water
- Total: 13
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Bromodichloromethane
- Chloroform
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromochloromethane
- Nitrate
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
Other Detected Contaminants
- Atrazine
- Barium
- Chlorate
- Chromium (total)
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Strontium
- Vanadium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.