Monitoring Violations PA

Catasauqua Mun Water Works

EPA ID: PA3390044 · 6,598 people served · 1 ZIP code

On record: Catasauqua Mun Water Works, 7 violations, all resolved, 6,598 in service area.

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

C · 62
Avg Safety Score
6,598
People Served
1
ZIP Code Served
7
Violations (5yr)
Groundwater
Water Source
0.005 mg/L
Max Lead Level
Zone 1
Radon Risk · High
4
Contaminants Flagged
$214K
Median Home Value in Service Area

Service Area Map

Coverage area for Catasauqua Mun Water Works Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.

Service area boundary — Grade C

Service Area Demographics

$79,700
Median Household Income
9,459
Service Area Population
15%
Disadvantaged Population
30th
Poverty Percentile
60th
Energy Burden Percentile
91%
Pre-1986 Housing

The Catasauqua Mun Water Works serves a community with a median household income of $79,700 and an estimated 9,459 residents across its service area. Approximately 91% 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

Catasauqua Mun Water Works'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
80th
Superfund Site Proximity

About 1% of homes in Northampton 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 80th percentile nationally for proximity to Superfund (NPL) sites. Groundwater sources near contaminated sites may face elevated risk from industrial chemicals.

Infrastructure Risk

81 yr
Avg Pipe Age
Galvanized Steel or Copper
Pipe Material
0 yr
Est. Remaining Life
Moderate Wear
Decay Status
Installed 100% of expected lifespan used End of life

Detected Contaminants

How Catasauqua Mun Water Works compares to EPA limits

Copper 1 mg/L (77% of limit)
0 EPA Limit: 1.3 mg/L

What This Means For You

Surface Water Treatment Rule at 3 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Consumer Confidence Report Rule at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Contaminant 0700 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. 2 detections recorded.

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 →

Comparable Water Systems

Similar-sized systems in Pennsylvania

D 46 violations
C 46 violations
C 0 violations
C 3 violations
D 8 violations

Estimated Remediation Costs

Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system

Radon Mitigation Flood Insurance PFAS Treatment
Radon Mitigation $1,200
Flood Insurance $1,200
PFAS Treatment $500
Total Estimated Cost $2,900

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 $2,900 (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

Catasauqua Mun Water Works (EPA ID: PA3390044) is a community water system in Pennsylvania that serves approximately 6,598 people from groundwater sources.

This system serves ZIP code 18032 in Catasauqua.

Average Home Safety Score: C (62/100)

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

Violation History

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

Recent Violations

Date Contaminant Type Status
July 1, 2025 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved
June 1, 2025 Contaminant 0700 Monitoring Resolved
October 1, 2024 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2024 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved
April 1, 2023 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Monitoring Resolved
April 1, 2023 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Monitoring Resolved
April 1, 2023 Copper Monitoring Resolved

Contaminants Detected

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

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Failure 3 No
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting Failure 2 No
Copper Inorganic 1 No
Contaminant 0700 Other Violation 1 No

Lead & Copper

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

ZIP Code Lead Level Exceeds Limit Sample Date
18032 0.005 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: Service area ZIP codes sourced from EPA Community Water System Service Area Boundaries v3 (March 2026 release). These ZIPs reflect the actual deployment footprint recorded by PA or modeled from parcel and building-footprint data.

Data Sources

This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for Catasauqua Mun Water Works (PA3390044) on EPA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Catasauqua Mun Water Works water safe to drink?

Catasauqua Mun Water Works has only monitoring/reporting violations, which are procedural in nature. The system meets federal health-based standards.

How many people does Catasauqua Mun Water Works serve?

Catasauqua Mun Water Works serves approximately 6,598 people across 1 ZIP code in Pennsylvania.

Where does Catasauqua Mun Water Works get its water?

The primary water source is groundwater.

Federal UCMR5 PFAS Monitoring: Detected

This water system was tested under the federal EPA Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR5). PFAS compounds were detected below the current state-enforceable MCL.

Samples collected
58
Detections
3
Latest sample
12/11/2023
Highest analyte
PFHxS: 4.2 ppt
Analyte Max detected Current MCL Status
PFHxS 4.2 ppt 10 ppt Below current MCL
PFBS 3.1 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
PFOS
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid
EPA-regulated (2024 NPDWR)
2.66 ppt 4 ppt Below EPA limit
PFOA
Perfluorooctanoic acid
EPA-regulated (2024 NPDWR)
2.17 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 Catasauqua Mun Water Works.

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:

5
Confirmed Lead
24
Galvanized — Replacement Required
2,215
Unknown Material
7
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: 6,598
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 Catasauqua Mun Water Works safe to drink?
Catasauqua Mun Water Works has a C safety grade based on 7 recorded violations. Some contaminants may exceed EPA limits — independent testing is recommended.
What contaminants are in Catasauqua Mun Water Works's water?
Detected contaminants include Surface Water Treatment Rule, Consumer Confidence Report Rule, Contaminant 0700, Copper. Each is compared against EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) in the detailed breakdown above.
Should I use a water filter?
Given 3 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 Catasauqua Mun Water Works serve?
Catasauqua Mun Water Works serves approximately 6,598 people with drinking water across 1 ZIP code.
What is Catasauqua Mun Water Works's water source?
Catasauqua Mun Water Works draws water from groundwater sources. Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be present.
Is there lead in Catasauqua Mun Water Works's water?
The maximum detected lead level is 0.005 mg/L. This is within EPA action level guidelines.
What is the demographic profile of Catasauqua Mun Water Works's service area?
The Catasauqua Mun Water Works service area has a median household income of $79,700. Demographic data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and EPA EJScreen.
Where does Catasauqua Mun Water Works get its water?
Catasauqua Mun Water Works'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

Catasauqua Mun Water Works (EPA ID: PA3390044) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.

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