Water Quality in Easton, PA: 80 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 42/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Easton's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Easton, PA has 80 violations in the EPA compliance history — breakdown below.
Water Quality Map: Easton, PA
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Easton
Water quality varies across Easton's 5 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18040 | F | 35 | 16 | 0 | View report → |
| 18042 | F | 35 | 16 | 0 | View report → |
| 18043 | D | 43 | 16 | 0 | View report → |
| 18045 | D | 45 | 16 | 0 | View report → |
| 18044 | D | 50 | 16 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Easton, Pennsylvania receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 42 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Easton have accumulated 80 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 5 ZIP codes serving approximately 97,166 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Easton's water systems have accumulated violations that suggest ongoing water quality challenges. Residents should check their specific ZIP code report and consider water testing or filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for Easton is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 55% of homes built before 1986, Easton 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
Easton 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 Easton
Easton is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 97,166 people across 5 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 50 enforcement actions against water systems serving Easton. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Easton
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 Easton Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Easton's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 25 | 5 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 20 | 5 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 10 | 5 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 10 | 5 | No |
| Radium-228 | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 5 | 5 | 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 Easton. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-12-12 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-11-04 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-11-04 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-09-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-16 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-21 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-01 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-01 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-01 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-23 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-12-12.
Easton vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How Easton's water quality compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Easton | D | 80 | 5 | 97,166 |
| North Wales | D | 32 | 5 | 96,984 |
| Nazareth | D | 0 | 1 | 96,867 |
| Stockertown | D | 0 | 1 | 96,867 |
Recommended Water Filters for Easton
Based on contaminants detected in Easton's water supply, these filter types are recommended:
Granular Activated Carbon (GAC, whole-house POE)
- Removes: Trihalomethane (TTHM)
- Effectiveness: 80-99%
- Cost range: $400–$2000
- Certification: NSF/ANSI 53
- Recommended products:
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Easton
Water quality varies across Easton's ZIP codes. The table below shows the worst-scoring and best-scoring areas:
| ZIP Code | Score | Grade | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18040 | 35 | F | 16 | 0 |
| 18042 | 35 | F | 16 | 0 |
| 18043 | 43 | D | 16 | 0 |
| 18045 | 45 | D | 16 | 0 |
| 18044 | 50 | D | 16 | 0 |
Common Questions About Easton Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Easton, Pennsylvania:
Is Easton water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Easton's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Easton tap water? Easton's water receives a grade of D (42/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Easton? Based on detected contaminants, a granular activated carbon (gac, whole-house poe) filter is most recommended. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Easton vs. Pennsylvania Average
Understanding how Easton 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 Easton.
ZIP Codes in Easton
Easton spans 5 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 18040. 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.