Water Quality in Rural Valley, PA: 5 Violations — Grade C
Grade C · Score 60/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Rural Valley'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
Local water systems serving Rural Valley, PA carry 5 EPA violations on record in the federal compliance database — documented events spanning categories from maximum contaminant level exceedances to monitoring requirements tracked by the national Safe Drinking Water program.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Rural Valley
Water quality varies across Rural Valley's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16249 | C | 60 | 5 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Rural Valley, Pennsylvania receives a water quality grade of C with an overall score of 60 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving Rural Valley have accumulated 5 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 1,000 people.
What Grade C Means
A grade of C indicates moderate compliance issues. Rural Valley'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 Rural Valley is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 77% of homes built before 1986, Rural Valley 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
Rural Valley 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 Rural Valley
Rural Valley is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 1,000 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 Rural Valley. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in Rural Valley
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 Rural Valley Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across Rural Valley's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Combined Radium | Radionuclides | 5 pCi/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Radium-228 | 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 10 enforcement actions against water systems serving Rural Valley. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-06-26 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-02-12 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2025-02-12 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2023-11-07 | State Informal Action |
| 2023-11-07 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-09-22 | State Order Extension |
| 2021-09-16 | State Informal Action |
| 2021-01-08 | State Filed Judgment |
| 2021-01-08 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2021-01-08 | State Order Extension |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-06-26.
Rural Valley vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How Rural Valley's water quality compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rural Valley | C | 5 | 1 | 1,000 |
| Beyer | D | 0 | 1 | 1,000 |
| Colver | B | 5 | 1 | 1,000 |
| Creekside | D | 0 | 1 | 1,000 |
Common Questions About Rural Valley Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Rural Valley, Pennsylvania:
Is Rural Valley water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Rural Valley's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Rural Valley tap water? Rural Valley's water receives a grade of C (60/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Rural Valley? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Rural Valley vs. Pennsylvania Average
Understanding how Rural Valley 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 Rural Valley.
ZIP Codes in Rural Valley
Rural Valley spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 16249. 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.