Health Violations Found PA 2 HEALTH VIOLATIONS

Western Allegheny County Mun a

EPA ID: PA5020034 · 19,031 people served · 13 ZIP codes

Right now, Western Allegheny County Mun a shows 1 EPA violation marked active and unresolved — the provider continues to supply approximately 19,031 residents while each finding awaits closure.

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

D · 47
Avg Safety Score
19,031
People Served
13
ZIP Codes Served
16
Violations (5yr)
Surface Water
Water Source
0.00358 mg/L
Max Lead Level
Zone 1
Radon Risk · High
11
Contaminants Flagged
$215K
Median Home Value in Service Area

Compliance Trajectory

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

Violations went from 14 (2024) to 1 (2026). The pattern suggests growing compliance challenges.

Service Area Map

Coverage area for Western Allegheny County Mun a Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.

Service area boundary — Grade D

Service Area Demographics

$94,930
Median Household Income
84,164
Service Area Population
24%
Disadvantaged Population
40th
Poverty Percentile
55th
Energy Burden Percentile
77%
Pre-1986 Housing

The Western Allegheny County Mun a serves a community with a median household income of $94,930 and an estimated 84,164 residents across its service area. Approximately 77% of housing stock was built before 1986, which increases the likelihood of lead service lines and older plumbing.

🌊 Where Does Your Water Come From?

Surface Water

Western Allegheny County Mun a's water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap.

Elevated Risk
Source Contamination Risk
60th
Wastewater Discharge Proximity
39th
Superfund Site Proximity

About 1% of homes in Washington 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 60th percentile nationally for proximity to wastewater discharge points. Surface water sources near wastewater outfalls may face additional treatment challenges.

Infrastructure Risk

64 yr
Avg Pipe Age
Galvanized Steel or Copper
Pipe Material
10 yr
Est. Remaining Life
Moderate Wear
Decay Status
Installed 86% of expected lifespan used End of life

Detected Contaminants

How Western Allegheny County Mun a compares to EPA limits

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) 3 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 3 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.06 mg/L. Cancer risk; reproductive & developmental effects. Consider granular activated carbon (GAC) filtration.

Consumer Confidence Report Rule at 7 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Lead and Copper Rule at 3 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Contaminant 0700 at 2 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

E. coli at 2 Zero tolerance (any positive sample triggers immediate action) exceeds the EPA maximum of Zero tolerance (any positive sample triggers immediate action). Severe GI illness; potentially fatal kidney failure in children. Consider UV disinfection (99.99%) filtration.

PFAS Detected in Service Area

PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been detected in water serving this system's area. 9 detections recorded. 4 exceed federal EPA limits (4 ppt for PFOA/PFOS). 1 exceeds state limits.

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

D 18 violations
Elizabethtown Area Water
19,000 people
D 12 violations
Ambridge Water Authority
19,500 people
D 26 violations
Fox Chapel Authority
18,500 people
C 11 violations
C 109 violations

Estimated Remediation Costs

Average estimated costs across ZIP codes served by this system

Radon Mitigation Flood Insurance PFAS Treatment Water Filtration
Radon Mitigation $1,200
Flood Insurance $831
PFAS Treatment $92
Water Filtration $46
Total Estimated Cost $2,169

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 $1,500

Annual per household (CDC est.)

PFAS Exposure — Lifetime Cost $1,000

Per person (emerging research est.)

Estimated Cumulative Cost Per Household

5 years
$7,665
10 years
$15,330
20 years
$30,660

Compare: Estimated remediation cost is $2,169 (one-time) vs. $15,330 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

WESTERN ALLEGHENY COUNTY MUN A (EPA ID: PA5020034) is a community water system in Pennsylvania that serves approximately 19,031 people from surface water sources.

This system provides water to 13 ZIP codes across 13 communities.

Average Home Safety Score: D (47/100)

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

Violation History

2 health-based violations recorded in the past 5 years. 1 remains unresolved.

Recent Violations

Date Contaminant Type Status
October 18, 2025 Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Resolved
September 7, 2025 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Health-based Resolved
September 7, 2025 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2025 Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Monitoring Resolved
June 1, 2025 Fecal Coliform Monitoring Resolved
April 1, 2025 Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Monitoring Resolved
January 1, 2025 Fecal Coliform Monitoring Resolved
September 24, 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Resolved
August 20, 2024 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Health-based Resolved
August 20, 2024 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Monitoring Resolved
June 1, 2024 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Health-based Resolved
March 11, 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2023 Contaminant 0700 Monitoring Resolved
June 1, 2023 Contaminant 0700 Monitoring Resolved
May 1, 2023 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Monitoring Resolved
May 1, 2023 Revised Total Coliform Rule Monitoring Resolved
May 1, 2023 E. coli Monitoring Resolved
April 1, 2023 Revised Total Coliform Rule Monitoring Resolved
February 1, 2023 Consumer Confidence Report Rule Monitoring Unresolved
January 1, 2023 Contaminant 2959 Monitoring Resolved

Contaminants Detected

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

Contaminant Category Violations Health-Based
Consumer Confidence Report Rule Reporting Failure 7 Yes
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Disinfection Byproducts 3 No
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Failure 3 No
Contaminant 0700 Other Violation 2 No
E. coli Microbiological 2 No
Fecal Coliform Microbiological 2 No
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 2 No
Chlorite Disinfection Byproducts 1 No
Contaminant 2959 Other Violation 1 No
Stage 1 DBP Rule Treatment Failure 1 No
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Failure 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
15275 0.00358 mg/L No N/A
15071 0.00095 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: 5 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 Western Allegheny County Mun a (PA5020034) on EPA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Western Allegheny County Mun a water safe to drink?

Western Allegheny County Mun a has recorded 2 health-based violations 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 Western Allegheny County Mun a serve?

Western Allegheny County Mun a serves approximately 19,031 people across 13 ZIP codes in Pennsylvania.

Where does Western Allegheny County Mun a get its water?

The primary water source is surface water.

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 WESTERN ALLEGHENY COUNTY MUN A 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: 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
389
Detections
3
Latest sample
6/11/2025
Highest analyte
PFOS: 5.2 ppt
Analyte Max detected Current MCL Status
PFOS 5.2 ppt 10 ppt Above 2029 federal MCL
PFHxS 3.7 ppt 10 ppt Below current MCL

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 →

Lead Service Line Inventory

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

0
Confirmed Lead
0
Galvanized — Replacement Required
0
Unknown Material
5,631
Confirmed Non-Lead

This system reports zero confirmed lead service lines in its inventory. Unknown-material counts may still warrant verification.

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: 19,031
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 →

How Water Systems Appear in Rankings

Water systems are evaluated by violation history, contaminant detections, and service population. Larger systems with more service connections appear in more rankings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is water from Western Allegheny County Mun a safe to drink?
Western Allegheny County Mun a has a D safety grade based on 16 recorded violations. Some contaminants may exceed EPA limits — independent testing is recommended.
What contaminants are in Western Allegheny County Mun a's water?
Detected contaminants include Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Consumer Confidence Report Rule, Lead and Copper Rule, Contaminant 0700. 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 Western Allegheny County Mun a serve?
Western Allegheny County Mun a serves approximately 19,031 people with drinking water across 13 ZIP codes.
What is Western Allegheny County Mun a's water source?
Western Allegheny County Mun a draws water from surface water sources. Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be present.
Is there lead in Western Allegheny County Mun a's water?
The maximum detected lead level is 0.00358 mg/L. This is within EPA action level guidelines.
What is the demographic profile of Western Allegheny County Mun a's service area?
The Western Allegheny County Mun a service area has a median household income of $94,930. Demographic data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and EPA EJScreen.
Where does Western Allegheny County Mun a get its water?
Western Allegheny County Mun a's water is drawn from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Surface water sources are more exposed to agricultural runoff, stormwater, and upstream discharges, but they typically receive more intensive treatment before reaching your tap. 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

Western Allegheny County Mun a (EPA ID: PA5020034) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.

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