Public water data for Harrisburg, PA reveals a split picture — tap water quality varies meaningfully by service area and the city's grade reflects that variability.

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03

Water Quality Map: Harrisburg, PA

Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.

A B C D F

Overview

We track water quality and home safety data for 26 ZIP codes in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (population ~183,427), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 293,553 people region-wide.

26 of 26 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.

Home Safety Score

Average Home Safety Score for Harrisburg: C (55/100)

The score combines three factors:

Factor	What It Measures
Water Quality	EPA violations and compliance history
Lead Levels	90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level
Radon Risk	EPA radon zone classification

Water Sources

Harrisburg water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.

Lead & Copper

• Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0021 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
• 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)

• Zone 1 (High): 26 ZIP codes
• Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
• Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Top Contaminants

Areas with Most Violations

All ZIP Codes in Harrisburg

• 17101 [D] — 16 violations
• 17102 [D] — 16 violations
• 17103 [D] — 16 violations
• 17104 [D] — 16 violations
• 17105 [C] — 16 violations
• 17106 [C] — 16 violations
• 17107 [C] — 16 violations
• 17108 [C] — 16 violations
• 17109 [C] — 16 violations
• 17110 [D] — 16 violations
• 17111 [D] — 16 violations
• 17112 [D] — 16 violations
• 17113 [D] — 16 violations
• 17120 [C] — 16 violations
• 17121 [C] — 16 violations
• 17122 [C] — 16 violations
• 17123 [C] — 16 violations
• 17124 [C] — 16 violations
• 17125 [C] — 16 violations
• 17126 [C] — 16 violations
• 17127 [C] — 16 violations
• 17128 [C] — 16 violations
• 17129 [C] — 16 violations
• 17130 [C] — 16 violations
• 17140 [C] — 16 violations
• 17177 [C] — 16 violations

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

Updated daily.

How Remediation Costs Compare in Harrisburg

Placing remediation in the context of Harrisburg's property market, the equity share is low — most homeowners here are weighing a financial commitment that fits comfortably within routine property planning, far from the threshold where remediation becomes a material equity decision rather than a standard upkeep consideration.

Median Home Value

$203,200

Est. Remediation

$1,865

Remediation as % of home value 0.9%

Remediation costs in Harrisburg are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,242–$2,469 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 5% below the Pennsylvania average.

Harrisburg: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations

0.0021

mg/L Avg Lead (Limit: 0.015)

Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.

Lead risk in Harrisburg appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.

Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.

Harrisburg: Flood History & Water Damage Risk

Across the years captured by NFIP data, Harrisburg has logged 3117 flood insurance claims and carries 42% of its ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones — a sustained record consistent with high flood exposure. The water quality implications run through several pathways: treatment systems repeatedly stressed by high-volume intake, private wells in FEMA zones facing recurring infiltration risk, and distribution infrastructure that has likely experienced multiple backflow episodes during large events.

3,117

Total FEMA Flood Claims

$12,523

Avg Claim Payout

42%

ZIPs in FEMA Flood Zones

~156

Est. Claims/Year

Harrisburg has a significant flood history with 3,117 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $12,523 per claim. With 42% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.

How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$1,865</strong> remediation cost per household.

Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.

Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.