Water Quality in Butler, PA: 24 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 35/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Butler's water has serious compliance issues. Independent testing and filtration are strongly recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
The compliance history for Butler, PA includes 24 water violations on file with the EPA — a federal tally that spans health-based exceedances, monitoring failures, and enforcement actions logged under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Butler
Water quality varies across Butler's 3 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16001 | F | 30 | 8 | 0 | View report → |
| 16002 | F | 35 | 8 | 0 | View report → |
| 16003 | D | 40 | 8 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Butler, Pennsylvania receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 35 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Butler have accumulated 24 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 3 ZIP codes serving approximately 624 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Butler's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Butler water systems is 0.0160 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 3 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 76% of homes built before 1986, Butler has a higher-than-average risk of lead from older plumbing. Lead solder was banned in 1986, and homes built before this date may have lead in pipes, solder joints, or fixtures.
Radon Risk
Butler is in EPA Radon Zone 1 (High risk). The EPA recommends all homes in Zone 1 areas be tested for radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Water Systems Serving Butler
Butler is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 624 people across 3 ZIP codes.
Each water system is identified by a Public Water System ID (PWSID) and is required to:
- Test for over 90 regulated contaminants on a regular schedule
- Report results to the EPA and state regulators
- Issue an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) to all customers
- Take corrective action when violations occur
The EPA has taken 30 enforcement actions against water systems serving Butler. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Butler
Enter your ZIP code on ZipCheckup to see your specific water system data, including contaminant levels, violation history, and safety scores
Request your CCR — your water utility must provide an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results for all monitored contaminants
Get a home test — certified kits cost $20–$50 and test for lead, bacteria, and common contaminants. Professional lab tests ($150–$400) cover a broader panel
Consider filtration — NSF-certified filters can remove specific contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes the broadest range; activated carbon is effective for chlorine and many organics
Check for advisories — monitor your local utility website and local news for boil water advisories or system alerts
Contaminants Detected in Butler Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Butler's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 6 | 3 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 3 | No |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | N/A | 3 | 3 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 3 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 3 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving Butler. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-05 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-11-12 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-11-12 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-11-04 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-11-04 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-08-13 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-13 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-13 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-12-05.
Butler vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How Butler's water quality compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butler | F | 24 | 5 | 624 |
| Georgetown | D | 3 | 1 | 626 |
| Hookstown | D | 0 | 1 | 626 |
| Orangeville | F | 10 | 2 | 626 |
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Butler
Water quality varies across Butler's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
Common Questions About Butler Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Butler, Pennsylvania:
Is Butler water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Butler's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Butler tap water? Butler's water receives a grade of F (35/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Butler? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Butler vs. Pennsylvania Average
Understanding how Butler compares to the broader Pennsylvania average helps contextualize your local water quality. Factors like water source, treatment methods, and infrastructure age all contribute to differences between cities in the same state.
To see how individual neighborhoods compare, check the ZIP code reports below — water quality can vary significantly even within Butler.
ZIP Codes in Butler
Butler spans 3 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 16001. Each ZIP code has its own water quality profile based on the specific water system serving that area. Check each ZIP code for detailed contaminant data, violation history, and system information.
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
- Enforcement: EPA ECHO database
- Filter recommendations: NSF/ANSI certified products
Updated daily.