Water Quality in Chambersburg, PA: 20 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 60/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Chambersburg's water has moderate compliance issues. Residents in affected areas should consider filtration.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
EPA files for Chambersburg, PA document 20 water violations — a record that encompasses health-based exceedances, monitoring and reporting failures, and any other compliance events registered for local public water systems across all available federal compliance records for this area.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Chambersburg
Water quality varies across Chambersburg's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17201 | C | 57 | 10 | 1 | View report → |
| 17202 | C | 62 | 10 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 60 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Chambersburg have accumulated 20 EPA violations, including 2 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 59,934 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Chambersburg's water systems have some violations that warrant attention. While the water may still be safe for most people, residents in affected ZIP codes should consider additional testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Chambersburg water systems is 0.0057 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 60% of homes built before 1986, Chambersburg 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
Chambersburg 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 Chambersburg
Chambersburg is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 59,934 people across 2 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 20 enforcement actions against water systems serving Chambersburg. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Chambersburg
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 Chambersburg Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Chambersburg's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 4 | 2 | No |
| Nickel | Inorganic | 0.1 mg/L | 4 | 2 | Yes |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 2 | 2 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 2 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 2 | 2 | No |
| Atrazine | Organic | 0.003 mg/L | 2 | 2 | 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Chambersburg. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-30 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-06-24 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-10 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-03-10 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-03-07 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-02-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-07 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-11-07 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-04-24 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-30.
Chambersburg vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How Chambersburg's water quality compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chambersburg | C | 20 | 5 | 59,934 |
| Warrington | C | 19 | 5 | 60,058 |
| Sharon | C | 4 | 5 | 60,375 |
| Duryea | D | 0 | 1 | 58,467 |
Common Questions About Chambersburg Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania:
Is Chambersburg water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Chambersburg's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Chambersburg tap water? Chambersburg's water receives a grade of C (60/100). There are 2 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Chambersburg? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Chambersburg vs. Pennsylvania Average
Understanding how Chambersburg 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 Chambersburg.
ZIP Codes in Chambersburg
Chambersburg spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 17201. 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.