Water Quality in Howard, PA: 17 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 54/100 · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Howard's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
According to EPA filings, Howard, PA has 17 water compliance violations on record — sourced from SDWIS, the federal database that tracks reportable events for every registered public water system in the state.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Howard
Water quality varies across Howard's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16841 | D | 54 | 17 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Howard, Pennsylvania receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 54 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 3 water systems serving Howard have accumulated 17 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,431 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Howard'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 Howard is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 65% of homes built before 1986, Howard 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
Howard 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 Howard
Howard is served by 3 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,431 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 Howard. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Howard
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 Howard Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Howard's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| Radium-228 | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| Nickel | Inorganic | 0.1 mg/L | 2 | 1 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Combined Radium | 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 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Howard. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-20 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-06-20 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-05-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-05-16 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-20 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-03-18 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-03-18 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-01-23 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-01-23 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-20.
Howard vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How Howard's water quality compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Howard | D | 17 | 3 | 1,431 |
| Du Bois | D | 0 | 1 | 1,440 |
| Falls Creek | B | 7 | 1 | 1,440 |
| Cochranton | C | 16 | 5 | 1,415 |
Common Questions About Howard Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Howard, Pennsylvania:
Is Howard water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Howard's 3 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Howard tap water? Howard's water receives a grade of D (54/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Howard? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Howard vs. Pennsylvania Average
Understanding how Howard 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 Howard.
ZIP Codes in Howard
Howard spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 16841. 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.