Lead in Pennsylvania Drinking Water — 903 ZIPs Tested
EPA data analysis for lead in Pennsylvania drinking water systems
ZipCheckup tracks Lead in Pennsylvania drinking water: 903 ZIP codes with detected levels on record. 656 ZIP codes exceed the EPA limit (15 ppb (action level)). Lead carries a high health-risk designation.
Lead Contamination in Pennsylvania
ZipCheckup analyzed drinking water data across 1,313 ZIP codes in Pennsylvania for lead contamination. 903 ZIP codes have reported lead detections, and 656 have EPA violations on record.
The violation rate for lead in Pennsylvania is 50% of all ZIP codes — higher than the national average.
EPA Standard for Lead
The EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) for lead is 15 ppb (action level), governed by the Lead and Copper Rule (LCRR/LCRI). Water systems that exceed this limit must take corrective action and notify consumers.
Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in Pennsylvania
These ZIP codes reported the highest lead levels in Pennsylvania based on CCR reports and EPA data:
Lowest Lead Levels in Pennsylvania
These ZIP codes had the lowest reported lead detections in Pennsylvania:
Health Effects of Lead
Lead is a potent neurotoxin with no safe level of exposure. In children, lead causes developmental delays, reduced IQ, and behavioral problems. In adults, it causes high blood pressure, kidney damage, and cardiovascular effects. Pregnant women face increased risk of premature birth.
How to Remove Lead From Drinking Water
The most effective treatment for lead removal is Reverse Osmosis or NSF 53 Carbon Block. Look for filters certified under NSF 53 / NSF 58 standards.
Check Your ZIP Code
Use the ZipCheckup water quality search to see lead data for your specific water system in Pennsylvania.
Worst ZIP Codes for Lead in Pennsylvania
Ranked by highest lead detection level.
| Rank | ZIP Code | City | Level Detected | EPA Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 17756 | Muncy | 890 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 2 | 17020 | Duncannon | 301 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 3 | 17042 | Lebanon | 200 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 4 | 17545 | Manheim | 200 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 5 | 18302 | East Stroudsburg | 184 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 6 | 18355 | Scotrun | 123 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 7 | 18360 | Stroudsburg | 123 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 8 | 17509 | Christiana | 98 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 9 | 17566 | Quarryville | 98 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 10 | 17268 | Waynesboro | 95 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 11 | 18071 | Palmerton | 83 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 12 | 18301 | East Stroudsburg | 72 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 13 | 15501 | Somerset | 66 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 14 | 17013 | Carlisle | 61 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 15 | 15801 | Du Bois | 44 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 16 | 15848 | Luthersburg | 44 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 17 | 15849 | Penfield | 44 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 18 | 15856 | Rockton | 44 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 19 | 16828 | Centre Hall | 43 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
| 20 | 16875 | Spring Mills | 43 ppb | 15 ppb | Exceeds |
Lowest Lead Levels in Pennsylvania
Cities with Lead Data in Pennsylvania
304 cities in Pennsylvania have lead testing data available.
+ 284 more cities