Exceeds EPA Limit Copper EXCEEDS EPA LIMIT

Copper in Sewickley, PA Drinking Water

Copper data for Sewickley, Pennsylvania · 9,000 residents · 1 ZIP code

Across Sewickley, Pennsylvania, federal monitoring data has captured Copper in water samples at detectable concentrations in the most recent available reporting cycle.

1461 ppb
Max Level Detected
1461 ppb
Average Level
1.3 mg/L (action level)
EPA action level
Moderate
Health Risk
Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block
Best Filter Method

Data: EPA SDWIS, CCR Reports, ECHO Last verified: 2026-05-14

Copper in Sewickley Tap Water

Copper has been detected in Sewickley, Pennsylvania drinking water at a maximum level of 1461 ppb1.12x the EPA action level.

This analysis covers 9,000 residents across 1 ZIP code in Sewickley.

Sewickley's overall water quality grade is C (58/100).

Is Copper in Sewickley Water Safe?

Copper levels in parts of Sewickley exceed the EPA action level of 1.3 mg/L (action level). The EPA requires water systems to take corrective action when this limit is exceeded.

If you live in an affected ZIP code, consider installing a reverse osmosis or nsf 53 carbon block filter certified under NSF 53 and testing your water independently.

Copper Levels by ZIP Code

ZIP Code Copper Level EPA Limit Status
15143 1461 ppb 1.3 mg/L (action level) Exceeds limit

Average copper level across Sewickley: 1461 ppb

Health Effects of Copper

  • Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea (short-term, high levels)
  • Liver and kidney damage (long-term)
  • Particularly dangerous for people with Wilson's disease
  • Infants are more sensitive than adults

Health risk severity: Moderate. Governed by the Lead and Copper Rule.

How Copper Gets Into Drinking Water

  • Corrosion of copper household plumbing
  • Acidic (low pH) water accelerates copper leaching
  • New copper pipes leach more than aged ones
  • Mining and industrial discharge (rare for tap water)

What to Do About Copper in Sewickley Water

  1. Run water for 30-60 seconds before use (flushes stagnant water)
  2. Install an NSF 53 or NSF 58 certified filter
  3. If pH is low, consider a whole-home acid neutralizer
  4. Test first-draw morning water to check actual copper levels

Look for filters certified under NSF 53 for copper removal.

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