Water Quality in Shade Gap, PA: No Violations — Grade D
Grade D · Score 53/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
Shade Gap's water has significant violations. Water testing and filtration are recommended.
Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS) Last verified: 2026-05-03
Across all 1 water system serving Shade Gap, PA, federal monitoring data documents zero EPA violations — no MCL exceedances, no monitoring lapses, no enforcement actions anywhere in the compliance history.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in Shade Gap
Water quality varies across Shade Gap's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17255 | D | 53 | 0 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
Shade Gap, Pennsylvania receives a water quality grade of D with an overall score of 53 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
No EPA violations have been recorded for the 1 water system serving Shade Gap. This is a positive indicator, though it does not guarantee the absence of all contaminants — some substances (like PFAS) are not yet fully regulated.
What Grade D Means
A grade of D indicates significant compliance issues. Shade Gap'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 Shade Gap is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
With 76% of homes built before 1986, Shade Gap 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
Shade Gap 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 Shade Gap
Shade Gap is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 57 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
How to Check Your Water in Shade Gap
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
Shade Gap vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How Shade Gap's water quality compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shade Gap | D | 0 | 1 | 57 |
| Fort Littleton | D | 0 | 1 | 57 |
| Neelyton | C | 2 | 1 | 57 |
| Blue Ridge Summit | C | 4 | 1 | 58 |
Common Questions About Shade Gap Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in Shade Gap, Pennsylvania:
Is Shade Gap water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. Shade Gap's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink Shade Gap tap water? Shade Gap's water receives a grade of D (53/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for Shade Gap? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
Shade Gap vs. Pennsylvania Average
Understanding how Shade Gap 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 Shade Gap.
ZIP Codes in Shade Gap
Shade Gap spans 1 ZIP code. 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.