Water Quality in New Columbia, PA: 14 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 56/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
New Columbia'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
New Columbia, PA has 14 violations in the EPA compliance history — breakdown below.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in New Columbia
Water quality varies across New Columbia's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17856 | C | 56 | 14 | 1 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
New Columbia, Pennsylvania receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 56 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving New Columbia have accumulated 14 EPA violations, including 1 health-based violation. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 93 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. New Columbia'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
Lead testing data for New Columbia is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 60% of homes built before 1986, New Columbia 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
New Columbia 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 New Columbia
New Columbia is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 93 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 New Columbia. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in New Columbia
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 New Columbia Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across New Columbia's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving New Columbia. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-04-08 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-04-08 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-08-20 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-02-22 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-02-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-02-21 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2024-02-21 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-11-28 | State Order Extension |
| 2023-09-11 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2023-03-30 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-04-08.
New Columbia vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How New Columbia's water quality compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Columbia | C | 14 | 1 | 93 |
| Dewart | D | 0 | 1 | 93 |
| Watsontown | D | 0 | 1 | 93 |
| White Deer | D | 0 | 1 | 93 |
Common Questions About New Columbia Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in New Columbia, Pennsylvania:
Is New Columbia water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. New Columbia's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink New Columbia tap water? New Columbia's water receives a grade of C (56/100). There are 1 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for New Columbia? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
New Columbia vs. Pennsylvania Average
Understanding how New Columbia 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 New Columbia.
ZIP Codes in New Columbia
New Columbia spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 17856. 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.