Health Concerns Found SCHOOL DISTRICT PFAS DETECTED

Pittsburgh School District (PA): 30 Health Violations

32 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · 16,136,354 people served · Updated 2026-07-19

ZipCheckup's reading of EPA drinking-water data for Pittsburgh School District: 30 health-based violations on record in the past five years.

Data: EPA SDWIS, NCES Last verified: 2026-07-19

C · 63
Avg Safety Score
32
ZIP Codes
7
Water Systems
330
Violations (5yr)
0.0036 mg/L
Avg Lead Level
1
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 Pittsburgh School District in Pennsylvania spans 32 ZIP codes served by 7 community water systems, providing water to approximately 16,136,354 people.

The average Home Safety Score across the district is C (63/100)

  • with the lowest-scoring area at 40/100 .

Water quality in this district falls in the bottom 61% 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) 0.0036 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
Highest lead level 0.0036 mg/L 0.015 mg/L
ZIP codes exceeding EPA action level 0 of 32 -

PFAS Contamination

PFAS ("forever chemicals") detected in 1 of 32 ZIP codes in this district.

Detected compounds: PFBA.

Highest measured level: 0.0118 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

30 health-based violations recorded across 30 of 32 ZIP codes in the past 5 years.

Contaminants of Concern

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
E. coli Microbiological 60 No 30
Fecal Coliform Microbiological 60 No 30
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 60 No 30
Chlorite Disinfection Byproducts 30 No 30
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Disinfection Byproducts 30 No 30
Contaminant 2959 Other 30 No 30
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 30 No 30
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 30 Yes 30

Radon Risk

Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High risk)

32 of 32 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?
15201 Pittsburgh C (64) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15203 Pittsburgh C (64) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15204 Pittsburgh C (69) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15205 Pittsburgh C (59) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15206 Pittsburgh C (69) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15207 Pittsburgh C (59) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15208 Pittsburgh C (69) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15210 Pittsburgh C (64) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15211 Pittsburgh C (69) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15212 Pittsburgh C (59) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15213 Pittsburgh C (64) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15214 Pittsburgh C (69) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15215 Pittsburgh C (59) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15216 Pittsburgh C (69) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15217 Pittsburgh C (64) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15218 Pittsburgh C (69) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15219 Pittsburgh C (64) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15220 Pittsburgh C (64) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15221 Pittsburgh C (64) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15222 Pittsburgh C (59) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15224 Pittsburgh C (69) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15226 Pittsburgh C (64) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15227 Pittsburgh C (64) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15232 Pittsburgh C (69) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15233 Pittsburgh C (69) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15234 Pittsburgh C (59) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15235 Pittsburgh C (59) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15260 Pittsburgh C (65) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15282 Pittsburgh C (65) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15290 Pittsburgh C (65) 11 1 0.00358 mg/L No
15106 Carnegie D (40) 0 0 — —
15120 Homestead D (45) 0 0 — —

Water Systems Serving This District

Water System Population Served Source ZIP Codes
PITTSBURGH WATER & SEWER AUTH 520,000 Surface water 15106, 15120, 15201 +29 more
West View Water Authority 200,000 Surface water 15201, 15203, 15204 +27 more
HAMPTON SHALER WATER AUTHORITY 61,949 Surface water 15215
Oakmont Water Authority 39,901 Surface water 15235
Plum Boro Muni Authority 27,500 Surface water 15201, 15203, 15204 +27 more
Fox Chapel Authority 18,500 Surface water 15201, 15203, 15204 +27 more
Robinson Twp Muni Authority 16,354 Surface water 15106, 15201, 15203 +28 more

Lead Risk Assessment

Lead risk: ELEVATED. 29 ZIP codes in this district have high lead exposure risk scores based on housing age and infrastructure.

Infrastructure Risk Factors

Risk Factor District Average Why It Matters
Housing built before 1986 87.1% Lead solder was used in plumbing until 1986
Housing built before 1950 51.4% Lead pipes were common before 1950
Lead service line probability 24.7% Estimated chance of lead pipes connecting homes to water mains
Average lead level (90th pctl) 0.0036 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L
Highest measured lead level 0.0036 mg/L EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L

Schools built before 1986 are especially at risk. Lead can leach from older pipes, fixtures, and solder joints into drinking water — particularly when water sits in pipes overnight or over weekends.

Detailed Violation History

1 health-based contaminant have triggered violations in this district: Consumer Confidence Report Rule.
Contaminant Category Total Violations Health-Based ZIPs Affected
E. coli Microbiological 60 No 30
Fecal Coliform Microbiological 60 No 30
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 60 No 30
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Technique 30 No 30
Chlorite Disinfection Byproducts 30 No 30
Contaminant 2959 Other 30 No 30
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Disinfection Byproducts 30 No 30
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting 30 Yes 30

Most Recent Violations

  • Violation in ZIP 15201 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 15201 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 15201 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 15201 (Unknown date) — Unresolved
  • Violation in ZIP 15201 (Unknown date) — Unresolved

Is the Water Safe at Pittsburgh School District Schools?

Several factors warrant attention for families in the Pittsburgh School District area:

  • Water systems in this district have recorded 30 health-based violations. These violations indicate contaminant levels that may pose health risks.
  • PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in 1 of 32 ZIP codes. Current levels are below EPA maximums.
  • 87.1% of buildings in this district predate 1986, increasing the risk of lead in school plumbing.

Important context: EPA compliance data measures water quality at the utility level. Individual school buildings — especially older ones — may have additional risks from internal plumbing, lead fixtures, and stagnant water in pipes.

What Parents Should Do

Testing

  1. Request your school's water testing results. Under the EPA's 3Ts program, schools are encouraged to test drinking water. Ask the Pittsburgh School District school board for the most recent results.
  2. Test your home water. If your home was built before 1986, lead may be present in your plumbing. Free or low-cost test kits are often available from your water utility.
  3. Ask about PFAS testing. PFAS have been detected in this district. Request specific PFAS testing results from your water utility.

Advocacy

  1. Attend school board meetings and ask about the district's water quality testing schedule and remediation plans.
  2. Request lead fixture replacement if your child's school was built before 1986 and hasn't upgraded its plumbing.

Resources

ZIP Code Reports for This District

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 Pittsburgh School District schools?

Water systems serving Pittsburgh School District have recorded 30 health-based violations in the past 5 years. While utilities are required to meet federal standards, individual school buildings may have older plumbing that can introduce contaminants. Parents should request lead testing results from their school.

Does Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh School District water?

Yes, PFAS have been detected in 1 of 32 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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How to cite this page

APA ZipCheckup. (2026). Pittsburgh School District (PA): 30 Health Violations. https://zipcheckup.com/schools/pittsburgh-school-district-pa/
BibTeX 
@misc{zipcheckup-schools-pittsburgh-school-district-pa,
  author = {{ZipCheckup}},
  title  = {{Pittsburgh School District (PA): 30 Health Violations}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://zipcheckup.com/schools/pittsburgh-school-district-pa/}
}

Data as of July 2026.

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