Water Quality in Richlandtown, PA: 3 Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 54/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Richlandtown's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Federal EPA data for Richlandtown, PA shows 3 water compliance events in the record — the table below identifies system names and violation types.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Richlandtown
Water quality varies across Richlandtown's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18955 | D | 54 | 3 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Richlandtown, 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 1 water system serving Richlandtown have accumulated 3 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,450 people.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Richlandtown'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 Richlandtown is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 54% of homes built before 1986, Richlandtown 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
Richlandtown 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 Richlandtown
Richlandtown is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,450 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 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Richlandtown. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Richlandtown
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
EPA Enforcement History
The EPA and state regulators have taken 9 enforcement actions against water systems serving Richlandtown. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-01-14 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-12-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2024-07-24 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-04-10 | State Order Extension |
| 2024-04-08 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-05-06 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-05-06 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-05-06 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-02-12 | State Informal Action |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-01-14.
Richlandtown vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How Richlandtown's water quality compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Richlandtown | D | 3 | 1 | 1,450 |
| Calvin | D | 0 | 1 | 1,450 |
| Mapleton Depot | D | 0 | 1 | 1,450 |
| Mc Connellstown | C | 0 | 1 | 1,450 |
Common Questions About Richlandtown Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Richlandtown, Pennsylvania:
Is Richlandtown water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Richlandtown's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Richlandtown tap water? Richlandtown'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 Richlandtown? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Richlandtown vs. Pennsylvania Average
Understanding how Richlandtown 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 Richlandtown.
ZIP Codes in Richlandtown
Richlandtown spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 18955. 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.