Monitoring Issues SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

PFAS Detected in Philadelphia School District (PA)

87 ZIP codes · 3 water systems · 138,422,600 people served · Updated 2026-06-04

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-06-04

A · 91
Avg Safety Score
87
ZIP Codes
3
Water Systems
348
Violations (5yr)
0.002 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
48
ZIPs with PFAS
Zone 1
Radon Risk

Why School Water Quality Matters

Children drink 2–4× more water per pound of body weight than adults, making them more vulnerable to contaminants. School water quality affects students for hours every weekday.

Water Quality Overview

The Philadelphia School District in Pennsylvania spans 87 ZIP codes served by 3 community water systems, providing water to approximately 138,422,600 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is A (91/100) — with the lowest-scoring area at 67/100 .

Water quality in this district ranks better than 91% of ZIP codes nationally.

Why This Matters for Children

Children are more vulnerable to water contaminants than adults. The EPA and CDC identify these key risks:

  • Lead exposure — Even low levels of lead can affect brain development, reduce IQ, and cause behavioral problems in children. There is no safe level of lead for children.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") — Linked to immune system effects and developmental delays in children. Children drink more water relative to body weight than adults.
  • Nitrate — Dangerous for infants (can cause "blue baby syndrome"). Agricultural areas often have elevated nitrate.
  • Disinfection byproducts — Long-term exposure may increase cancer risk. School water fountains often have stagnant water that concentrates these compounds.

Lead Levels in the District

Metric Value EPA Threshold
Average lead level (90th percentile) 0.002 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.002 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 87 —

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 48 of 87 ZIP codes in this district. One or more PFAS compounds exceed EPA maximum contaminant levels.

Detected compounds: PFBS, PFPeA, PFHxA, PFOA, PFBA, PFOS, PFNA, PFHpA, PFHxS.

Highest measured level: 0.0218 µg/L.

PFAS can accumulate in the body over time. Children's higher water intake relative to body weight makes them particularly susceptible. Reverse osmosis filters (NSF/ANSI 58) are the most effective at removing PFAS.

Learn more about PFAS in drinking water →

EPA Violation History

348 monitoring/reporting violations recorded. These are procedural violations (missed tests or late reports), not necessarily water safety issues.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
Fecal Coliform Microbiological 348 No 87

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High risk)

2 of 87 ZIP codes are in the highest radon risk zone. Radon is the #2 cause of lung cancer in the U.S. — homes and school buildings in Zone 1 should be tested.

Water Quality by ZIP Code

ZIP Code City Safety Score Violations Health Lead Level Exceeds?
19019 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19092 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19093 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19099 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19101 Philadelphia A (92) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19102 Philadelphia A (92) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19103 Philadelphia B (82) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19104 Philadelphia A (92) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19105 Philadelphia C (67) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19106 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19107 Philadelphia A (92) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19108 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19109 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19110 Philadelphia A (92) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19111 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19112 Philadelphia A (92) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19113 Philadelphia C (67) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19114 Philadelphia B (82) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19115 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19116 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19118 Philadelphia A (92) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19119 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19120 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19121 Philadelphia A (92) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19122 Philadelphia A (92) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19123 Philadelphia A (92) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19124 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19125 Philadelphia A (92) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19126 Philadelphia A (92) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19127 Philadelphia B (82) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19128 Philadelphia B (82) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19129 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19130 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19131 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19132 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19133 Philadelphia A (92) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19134 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19135 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19136 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19137 Philadelphia A (92) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19138 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19139 Philadelphia A (92) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19140 Philadelphia A (92) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19141 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19142 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19143 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19144 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19145 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19146 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19147 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19148 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19149 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19150 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19151 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19152 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19153 Philadelphia B (77) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19154 Philadelphia A (87) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19155 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19160 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19161 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19162 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19170 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19171 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19172 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19173 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19175 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19176 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19177 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19178 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19179 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19181 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19182 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19183 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19184 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19185 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19187 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19188 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19190 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19191 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19192 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19193 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19194 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19195 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19196 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19197 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19244 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No
19255 Philadelphia A (96) 4 0 0.002 mg/L No

What Parents Can Do

  1. Request lead testing at your child's school — The EPA's 3Ts program (Training, Testing, Taking Action) provides guidance for schools. Ask your school board about their water testing schedule.
  2. Review the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — Your water utility publishes this annually. It details all detected contaminants.
  3. Test your home's water — Especially if your home has older plumbing (pre-1986) that may contain lead solder or lead pipes.
  4. Address PFAS — If PFAS are detected in your area, a reverse osmosis or activated carbon block filter rated NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 can reduce levels significantly.
  5. Pack water from home — If you're concerned about school water quality, send your child with a water bottle filled at home (filtered if possible).
  6. Stay informed — Bookmark this page to check for updates on water quality in your school district.

Need help with school water quality?

Typical cost: Water test: typically $20–$50 (DIY kit) · Professional inspection: $150–$400

Find the Right Water Filter

Free tip: Let cold water run for 2 minutes before drinking — this helps flush lead from your pipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the water safe in Philadelphia School District schools?

Based on EPA data, water systems serving Philadelphia School District have no health-based violations in the past 5 years. However, school buildings with older plumbing may still have localized issues. Testing at the tap (not just at the treatment plant) is important.

Does Philadelphia School District test for lead in school water?

Federal law does not require schools to test for lead in drinking water (except in some states with specific mandates). The EPA's voluntary 3Ts program encourages testing. Contact your school district office to ask about their testing schedule and results.

What level of lead is safe for children?

There is no safe level of lead for children, according to the CDC. The EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) triggers corrective action for water systems, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that school water contain no more than 0.001 mg/L (1 ppb).

Are there PFAS in Philadelphia School District water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 48 of 87 ZIP codes served by this district. PFAS are "forever chemicals" that do not break down and can accumulate in the body. The EPA has set maximum contaminant levels for certain PFAS compounds. Reverse osmosis filters are the most effective at removing PFAS from drinking water.

Data Sources

Updated daily.

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