Water Quality in Olyphant, PA: 44 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 19/100 · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-05-03
Olyphant's water has serious compliance issues. Independent testing and filtration are strongly recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Olyphant in PA has 44 EPA water violations documented — the compliance history below covers what was flagged and which local systems are associated with each finding.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Olyphant
Water quality varies across Olyphant's 2 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18448 | F | 16 | 22 | 8 | View report → |
| 18447 | F | 21 | 22 | 8 | View report → |
Violation Trend
EPA violations recorded for water systems serving Olyphant.
Water Quality Overview
Olyphant, Pennsylvania receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 19 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 5 water systems serving Olyphant have accumulated 44 EPA violations, including 16 health-based violations. These violations are tracked across 2 ZIP codes serving approximately 706 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. Olyphant's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
The average 90th percentile lead level across Olyphant water systems is 0.0833 mg/L — this exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L. 2 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level.
With 75% of homes built before 1986, Olyphant 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
Olyphant 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 Olyphant
Olyphant is served by 5 community water systems regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 706 people across 2 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 20 enforcement actions against water systems serving Olyphant. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Olyphant
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 Olyphant Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Olyphant's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 10 | 2 | No |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 4 | 2 | No |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 4 | 2 | No |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | N/A | 2 | 2 | No |
| Copper | Inorganic | 1.3 mg/L | 2 | 2 | No |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 2 | Yes |
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 Olyphant:
| Year | Total Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6 | 6 |
| 2022 | 4 | 4 |
| 2024 | 6 | 6 |
| 2025 | 10 | 10 |
Violations have increased from 6 in 2021 to 10 in 2025. This trend warrants monitoring.
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Olyphant. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-11-25 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-10-30 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-10-24 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-24 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-10-09 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-10-09 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-09-25 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-09-25 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-25 | State Formal Action |
| 2025-09-25 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-11-25.
Olyphant vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How Olyphant's water quality compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olyphant | F | 44 | 5 | 706 |
| Franklintown | C | 0 | 1 | 705 |
| Wellsville | D | 0 | 1 | 705 |
| Etters | D | 2 | 2 | 701 |
Common Questions About Olyphant Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Olyphant, Pennsylvania:
Is Olyphant water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Olyphant's 5 water systems use multiple sources. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Olyphant tap water? Olyphant's water receives a grade of F (19/100). There are 16 health-based violations — consider filtration.
What is the best water filter for Olyphant? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Olyphant vs. Pennsylvania Average
Understanding how Olyphant 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 Olyphant.
ZIP Codes in Olyphant
Olyphant spans 2 ZIP codes. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 18447. 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.