Water Quality in Hershey, PA: 12 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 51/100 · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Hershey's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Tracked under the EPA Safe Drinking Water program, Hershey, PA shows 12 water violations on file — findings that span multiple violation categories and are detailed system by system in the data grid further down the page.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Hershey
Water quality varies across Hershey's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17033 | D | 51 | 12 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Hershey, Pennsylvania receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 51 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 2 water systems serving Hershey have accumulated 12 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 112 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Hershey'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 Hershey is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 77% of homes built before 1986, Hershey 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
Hershey 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 Hershey
Hershey is served by 2 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 112 people across 1 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Hershey. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Hershey
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 Hershey Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Hershey's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| Radium-228 | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 1 | 1 | 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 7 enforcement actions against water systems serving Hershey. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-11-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-11-12 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-11-12 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-05-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-01-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-05-13 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-12-01 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-11-24.
Hershey vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How Hershey's water quality compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hershey | D | 12 | 2 | 112 |
| Devault | D | 0 | 1 | 112 |
| Lionville | D | 0 | 1 | 112 |
| Malvern | C | 1 | 1 | 112 |
Common Questions About Hershey Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Hershey, Pennsylvania:
Is Hershey water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Hershey's 2 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Hershey tap water? Hershey's water receives a grade of D (51/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Hershey? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Hershey vs. Pennsylvania Average
Understanding how Hershey 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 Hershey.
ZIP Codes in Hershey
Hershey spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 17033. 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.