Water Quality in South Mountain, PA: 67 Violations — Grade F
Grade F · Score 37/100 · 1 water system · Updated 2026-05-03
South Mountain'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
EPA monitoring has flagged 67 reportable events for water systems in South Mountain, PA.
Water Quality by ZIP Code in South Mountain
Water quality varies across South Mountain's 1 ZIP codes. Check your specific ZIP for detailed contaminant data.
| ZIP Code | Grade | Score | Violations | Health | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17261 | F | 37 | 67 | 0 | View report → |
Water Quality Overview
South Mountain, Pennsylvania receives a water quality grade of F with an overall score of 37 out of 100, based on EPA compliance data from the Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS).
The 1 water system serving South Mountain have accumulated 67 EPA violations (all monitoring/reporting type). These violations are tracked across 1 ZIP codes serving approximately 950 people.
What Grade F Means
A grade of F indicates serious compliance issues. South Mountain's water systems have substantial violations. Residents should strongly consider independent water testing and appropriate filtration.
Lead Levels
Lead testing data for South Mountain is currently being collected. The EPA requires all community water systems to test for lead under the Lead and Copper Rule.
Radon Risk
South Mountain 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 South Mountain
South Mountain is served by 1 community water system regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. These systems collectively serve approximately 950 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 South Mountain. Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties.
How to Check Your Water in South Mountain
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 South Mountain Water Systems
The following contaminants have been detected or caused violations across South Mountain's water systems:
| Contaminant | Category | MCL | Violations | ZIPs Affected | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | N/A | 56 | 1 | No |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 1 mg/L | 3 | 1 | No |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | N/A | 2 | 1 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 0.06 mg/L | 1 | 1 | No |
| Total Organic Carbon | Disinfection Byproducts | N/A | 1 | 1 | No |
| E. coli | Microbiological | N/A | 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 South Mountain. Recent actions:
| Date | Action Type |
|---|---|
| 2025-10-28 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-10-28 | State Order Extension |
| 2025-10-28 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-10-27 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-10-27 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-09-22 | State Informal Enforcement |
| 2025-09-22 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-08-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-21 | State Informal Action |
| 2025-07-21 | State Informal Enforcement |
Enforcement actions range from informal compliance assistance to formal orders and penalties. The most recent action was on 2025-10-28.
South Mountain vs. Nearby Pennsylvania Cities
How South Mountain's water quality compares to similar cities in Pennsylvania:
| City | Grade | Violations | Systems | Population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Mountain | F | 67 | 1 | 950 |
| Cabot | C | 2 | 1 | 950 |
| Fenelton | D | 0 | 1 | 950 |
| Port Royal | D | 7 | 1 | 950 |
Common Questions About South Mountain Water
These are the most common questions residents search for about water quality in South Mountain, Pennsylvania:
Is South Mountain water hard or soft? Water hardness varies by source. South Mountain's 1 water system uses a single source. Check your ZIP code report for specific hardness data.
Can I drink South Mountain tap water? South Mountain's water receives a grade of F (37/100). No health-based violations have been recorded, but home testing is always recommended.
What is the best water filter for South Mountain? A NSF/ANSI 53-certified filter for lead removal is a good general choice. See our Water Filter Matcher for personalized recommendations.
South Mountain vs. Pennsylvania Average
Understanding how South Mountain 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 South Mountain.
ZIP Codes in South Mountain
South Mountain spans 1 ZIP code. The ZIP with the lowest water quality score is 17261. 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.