Water Quality in North East, PA: 34 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 58/100 · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
North East'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
The compliance record maintained by the EPA for North East, PA documents 34 water violations — each tied to a specific public water system and assigned a violation category in the federal Safe Drinking Water dataset.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in North East
Water quality varies across North East's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16428 | B | 71 | 34 | 2 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving North East.
Water Quality Overview
North East, Pennsylvania receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 58 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 4 water systems serving North East have accumulated 34 EPA violations, including 2 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 10,669 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. North East'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
The average 90th percentile lead level across North East water systems is 0.0026 mg/L — within EPA limits. No ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 76% of homes built before 1986, North East 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
North East 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 North East
North East is served by 4 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 10,669 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 North East. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in North East
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 North East Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across North East's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 6 | 1 | Yes |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 5 | 1 | No |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | N/A | 5 | 1 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 3 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Uranium | Radionuclides | 0.03 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level (EPA enforceable standard). Health-based violations indicate levels that may pose direct health risks.
Violation Trend Over Time
Year-by-year EPA violations recorded for water systems serving North East:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 | 3 |
| 2023 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024 | 2 | 2 |
| 2025 | 1 | 1 |
Violation counts have remained stable over the observed period.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 8 enforcement actions against water systems serving North East. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-10-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-10-09 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-10-09 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-09-24 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-09-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-17 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-08-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-08-22 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-10-30.
North East vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How North East's water quality compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North East | C | 34 | 4 | 10,669 |
| Mars | C | 8 | 2 | 10,656 |
| Mill Hall | D | 30 | 5 | 10,686 |
| Denver | C | 6 | 2 | 10,596 |
Common Questions About North East Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in North East, Pennsylvania:
Is North East water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. North East's 4 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink North East tap water? North East's water receives a grade of C (58/100). There are 2 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for North East? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
North East vs. Pennsylvania Average
Understanding how North East 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 North East.
ZIP Codes in North East
North East spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 16428. 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.