Health Violations Found PA 1 HEALTH VIOLATION

Paw Penn District

EPA ID: PA3060069 · 28,508 people served · 14 ZIP codes

Federal water data for Paw Penn District logs 8 historical violations — all addressed and cleared, leaving the utility in current compliance for 28,508 people.

Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-04-02

C · 67
Avg Safety Score
28,508
People Served
14
ZIP Codes Served
8
Violations (5yr)
Groundwater
Water Source
0.001 mg/L
Max Lead Level
Zone 1
Radon Risk · High
5
Contaminants Flagged
$220K
Median Home Value in Service Area

Compliance Trajectory

Worsening · Risk tier: High · 95% chance of violation in next 12 months

Violations went from 13 (2022) to 26 (2025). The pattern suggests growing compliance challenges.

Service Area Map

Coverage area for Paw Penn District Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.

Service area boundary — Grade C

Service Area Demographics

$80,815
Median Household Income
247,086
Service Area Population
30%
Disadvantaged Population
40th
Poverty Percentile
70th
Energy Burden Percentile
75%
Pre-1986 Housing

The Paw Penn District serves a community with a median household income of $80,815 and an estimated 247,086 residents across its service area. Approximately 75% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.

💧 Where Does Your Water Come From?

Groundwater

Paw Penn District's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table.

Elevated Risk
Source Contamination Risk
70th
Wastewater Discharge Proximity
60th
Superfund Site Proximity

About 1% of homes in Berks County, Pennsylvania rely on private wells rather than public water systems. Private well owners are responsible for their own water testing and treatment.

Wastewater Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 70th percentile nationally for proximity to wastewater discharge points.

Superfund Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 60th percentile nationally for proximity to Superfund (NPL) sites. Groundwater sources near contaminated sites may face elevated risk from industrial chemicals.

Infrastructure Risk

70 yr
Avg Pipe Age
Copper
Pipe Material
12 yr
Est. Remaining Life
Accelerating Decay
Decay Status
Installed 85% of expected lifespan used End of life

Detected Contaminants

How Paw Penn District compares to EPA limits

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) 1 mg/L (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 0.06 mg/L
Cancer risk; reproductive & developmental effects

What This Means For You

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.06 mg/L. Cancer risk; reproductive & developmental effects. Consider granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.

Contaminant 0700 at 4 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Radium-228 at 1 pCi/L (combined Radium-226 & 228 ≤ 5 pCi/L) exceeds the EPA maximum of pCi/L (combined Radium-226 & 228 ≤ 5 pCi/L). Bone cancer and leukemia (known carcinogen). Consider ion exchange (water softener) filtration.

Surface Water Treatment Rule at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Contaminant 0800 at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

PFAS Detected in Service Area

PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water serving this system's area. 78 detections recorded. 17 exceed federal EPA limits (4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS).

State limits: PFOA: 0.014 ppt, PFOS: 0.018 ppt
Health concern: PFAS are linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune suppression, and developmental effects. They do not break down naturally.
Recommended filter: Reverse osmosis (RO) or activated carbon filters certified for PFAS removal. Find the right filter →

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) was detected in this water system. granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration can reduce exposure.

Find a certified water filter →

Comparable Water Systems

Similar-sized systems in Pennsylvania

Aqua Pa Bristol
28,727 people
D 0 violations
Guilford Water Authority
28,135 people
D 67 violations
D 21 violations
Plum Boro Muni Authority
27,500 people
C 11 violations
Latrobe Muni Authority
30,000 people
C 7 violations

Estimated Remediation Costs

Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system

Flood Insurance Radon Mitigation PFAS Treatment Lead Pipe Replacement Water Filtration
Flood Insurance $1,479
Radon Mitigation $1,200
PFAS Treatment $543
Lead Pipe Replacement $266
Water Filtration $257
Total Estimated Cost $3,744

Based on national averages for common remediation projects. Actual costs vary by property. Only issues flagged by EPA, FEMA, or state data for each ZIP code are included.

Cost of Inaction

If water quality issues in this service area are not addressed, the estimated financial impact per household is:

Estimated Healthcare Costs $1,000

Annual per household (CDC est.)

PFAS Exposure — Lifetime Cost $1,000

Per person (emerging research est.)

Estimated Cumulative Cost Per Household

5 years
$5,165
10 years
$10,330
20 years
$20,660

Compare: Estimated remediation cost is $3,744 (one-time) vs. $10,330 in estimated inaction costs over 10 years.

Estimates based on published EPA, CDC, and peer-reviewed research. Individual costs vary by household size, property, and health factors. These are conservative lower-bound estimates intended for awareness, not financial advice.

System Overview

Paw Penn District (EPA ID: PA3060069) is a community water system in Pennsylvania that serves approximately 28,508 people from groundwater sources.

This system provides water to 14 ZIP codes across 3 communities.

Average Home Safety Score: C (67/100)

Based on water quality violations, lead levels, and radon risk across all ZIP codes served by this system.

Violation History

1 health-based violation recorded in the past 5 years. All violations have been resolved.

Recent Violations

Date Contaminant Type Status
May 1, 2025 Contaminant 0700 Monitoring Resolved
April 1, 2025 Contaminant 0800 Health-based Resolved
October 1, 2024 Contaminant 0700 Monitoring Resolved
November 1, 2023 Contaminant 0700 Monitoring Resolved
October 1, 2023 Radium-228 Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2023 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved

Contaminants Detected

The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for this water system:

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based
Contaminant 0700 Other Violation 4 No
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Disinfection Byproducts 1 No
Radium-228 Radionuclides 1 No
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Failure 1 No
Contaminant 0800 Other Violation 1 Yes

Lead & Copper

EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data for ZIP codes served by this system:

ZIP Code Lead Level Exceeds Limit Sample Date
19608 0.001 mg/L No N/A
19609 0.001 mg/L No N/A

Radon Risk in Service Area

Dominant radon zone for ZIP codes served by this system: Zone 1 (High Risk)

The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.

Need help with your 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.

ZIP Codes Served

Coverage: 6 ZIP codes confirmed via EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 plus 8 additional ZIPs inferred from SDWIS registry data. The EPA-confirmed set is the most reliable; SDWIS-inferred entries may be narrower than the real deployment area.

Data Sources

This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Paw Penn District (PA3060069) on EPA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Paw Penn District water safe to drink?

Paw Penn District has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. While the system is required to treat water to meet federal standards, you may want to consider additional precautions such as a certified water filter.

How many people does Paw Penn District serve?

Paw Penn District serves approximately 28,508 people across 14 ZIP codes in Pennsylvania.

Where does Paw Penn District get its water?

The primary water source is groundwater.

Treatment regime

How this utility classifies its treatment process and what each reported treatment chemical does.

Treatment classification
Minimal — disinfection only
Disinfection (typically chlorine) without additional filtration or coagulation stages. Common for groundwater systems where source water meets federal standards after disinfection alone.

Treatment chemicals and what each one does

Chemical names are reported verbatim by the utility. Purpose categories are ZipCheckup annotations based on standard drinking-water treatment practice.

Disinfectant
Inactivates bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the treated water.
CHLORINE

Treatment classification and chemical list sourced from PAW PENN DISTRICT Consumer Confidence Report.

Treatment intensity is a ZipCheckup-derived classification based on the chemicals and processes the utility reports. Chemicals and contamination sources are taken verbatim from the utility's CCR filing. Routine federal monitoring and contaminant testing shown elsewhere on this page determine whether the water meets safety standards, not the treatment classification.

Federal UCMR5 PFAS Monitoring: Above Current MCL

This water system was tested under the federal EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). One or more PFAS compounds were measured above the current state-enforceable MCL.

Samples collected
406
Detections
55
Latest sample
2/13/2025
Highest analyte
PFPeA: 30.4 ppt
Analyte Max detected Current MCL Status
PFOS 16.4 ppt 10 ppt Above current MCL
PFHxS 10.2 ppt 10 ppt Above current MCL
PFPeA 30.4 ppt
PFHxA 22.3 ppt
PFBA 10 ppt
PFHpA 8.4 ppt

Current MCL reflects the lowest state-enforceable limit (NYS 10 ppt for PFOA/PFOS, effective August 2020). The federal final MCL of 4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS (EPA April 2024 rule) is not enforceable until April 2029. Detections above 4 ppt but below 10 ppt are below current MCL but above the future federal limit.

Source: U.S. EPA UCMR5 (Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule, 5th cycle) — per-system federal sampling, 2023–2025. EPA UCMR5 monitoring program →

Understand PFAS health context and filtration →

PFAS Substances Detected in This System

This water system's Consumer Confidence Report disclosed the following PFAS compounds. Levels are from the utility's most recent reporting cycle.

Substance Detected level EPA limit Status
PFBS
Perfluorobutanesulfonic acid
EPA-regulated (2024 NPDWR)
Component of EPA Hazard Index — combined exposure assessed against unitless threshold of 1.0.
4.4 ppt No federal limit set
PFHxS
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid
EPA-regulated (2024 NPDWR)
3.8 ppt 10 ppt Below EPA limit
PFOS
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
EPA-regulated (2024 NPDWR)
3.425 ppt 4 ppt Below EPA limit
PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid
EPA-regulated (2024 NPDWR)
1.375 ppt 4 ppt Below EPA limit

In April 2024, EPA finalized the first National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS. Public water systems have until 2029 to comply. EPA — PFAS regulation overview →

Source: Consumer Confidence Report disclosed by PAW PENN DISTRICT.

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with this water utility. PFAS detection data is sourced from public Consumer Confidence Reports filed by the utility itself.

Learn more about PFAS health effects and filtration →

Lead Service Line Inventory

Service line breakdown reported under the federal Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) inventory requirement:

16
Confirmed Lead
417
Galvanized — Replacement Required
11,932
Unknown Material
385
Confirmed Non-Lead

Federal LCRI rule (effective October 2024) requires every public water system to inventory its service lines and complete lead-line replacement within 10 years.

Federal Regulatory Status · 2026Q1
LCRR inventory submission: Reported all required service line types
Latest tap sample on 2025-06-01 did not exceed the federal lead action level.
Population served: 28,508
Reported to Pennsylvania

Source: EPA SDWIS Federal Service Line Inventory (Phase 2) · Submitted 2026

ZipCheckup is not affiliated with the utility or state agency. Inventory figures render verbatim from the public LCRI submission cited above; ZipCheckup does not perform inspections or replacements.

Learn about lead in drinking water →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water from Paw Penn District safe to drink?
Paw Penn District has a C safety grade based on 8 recorded violations. Some contaminants may exceed EPA limits — independent testing is recommended.
What contaminants are in Paw Penn District's water?
Detected contaminants include Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Contaminant 0700, Radium-228, Surface Water Treatment Rule. Each is compared against EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in the detailed breakdown above.
Should I use a water filter?
Given 5 contaminants above EPA limits, a certified water filter can provide an extra layer of protection. The best type depends on specific contaminants in your water.
How many people does Paw Penn District serve?
Paw Penn District serves approximately 28,508 people with drinking water across 14 ZIP codes.
What is Paw Penn District's water source?
Paw Penn District draws water from groundwater sources. Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be present.
Is there lead in Paw Penn District's water?
The maximum detected lead level is 0.001 mg/L. This is within EPA action level guidelines.
What is the demographic profile of Paw Penn District's service area?
The Paw Penn District service area has a median household income of $80,815. Demographic data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and EPA EJScreen.
Where does Paw Penn District get its water?
Paw Penn District's water is pumped from underground aquifers. Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil, but it can be vulnerable to PFAS contamination, nitrates from agriculture, and industrial chemicals that seep into the water table. Based on violation history and environmental factors, the source contamination risk is currently elevated.

What You Can Do

1

Test your water

Home test kits can detect lead, bacteria, and other contaminants at your tap. Find the right filter →

2

Check your specific ZIP code

Water quality can vary within a system. View nearest ZIP report →

3

Contact your utility

Paw Penn District (EPA ID: PA3060069) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.

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