Health Violations Found PA 1 HEALTH VIOLATION

South Middleton Twp Water Authority

EPA ID: PA7210050 · 11,695 people served · 5 ZIP codes

South Middleton Twp Water Authority's current EPA file includes 1 unresolved violation — every outstanding finding is documented in federal records for this utility, which supplies water to approximately 11,695 residents across its service territory.

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

C · 58
Avg Safety Score
11,695
People Served
5
ZIP Codes Served
14
Violations (5yr)
Surface Water
Water Source
0.0018 mg/L
Max Lead Level
Zone 1
Radon Risk · High
8
Contaminants Flagged
$237K
Median Home Value in Service Area

Compliance Trajectory

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

Violations went from 5 (2021) to 2 (2023). The pattern suggests growing compliance challenges.

Service Area Map

Coverage area for South Middleton Twp Water Authority Source: EPA SDWIS service area boundaries.

Service area boundary — Grade C

Service Area Demographics

$79,769
Median Household Income
76,781
Service Area Population
6%
Disadvantaged Population
30th
Poverty Percentile
50th
Energy Burden Percentile
67%
Pre-1986 Housing

The South Middleton Twp Water Authority serves a community with a median household income of $79,769 and an estimated 76,781 residents across its service area. Approximately 67% 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

South Middleton Twp Water Authority'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
70th
Superfund Site Proximity

About 1% of homes in Cumberland 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.

Superfund Proximity Note: This service area ranks in the 70th percentile nationally for proximity to Superfund (NPL) sites.

Infrastructure Risk

55 yr
Avg Pipe Age
Copper
Pipe Material
13 yr
Est. Remaining Life
Moderate Wear
Decay Status
Installed 81% of expected lifespan used End of life

Detected Contaminants

How South Middleton Twp Water Authority compares to EPA limits

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) 3 mg/L (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 0.06 mg/L
Cancer risk; reproductive & developmental effects
Uranium 1 mg/L (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 0.03 mg/L
Kidney toxicity, increased cancer risk
HAA6Br 1 mg/L (EXCEEDS LIMIT)
0 EPA Limit: 0.06 mg/L

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.

Uranium at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.03 mg/L. Kidney toxicity, increased cancer risk. Consider reverse osmosis filtration.

HAA6Br at 1 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of 0.06 mg/L.

Surface Water Treatment Rule at 4 mg/L exceeds the EPA maximum of mg/L.

Lead and Copper Rule at 2 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. 12 detections recorded. 4 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

D 14 violations
0 violations
Paw Huntsville
11,987 people
0 violations
D 11 violations
D 19 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 $1,200
PFAS Treatment $340
Water Filtration $60
Total Estimated Cost $2,800

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 $2,800 (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

South Middleton Twp Water Authority (EPA ID: PA7210050) is a community water system in Pennsylvania that serves approximately 11,695 people from surface water sources.

This system provides water to 5 ZIP codes across 4 communities.

Average Home Safety Score: C (58/100)

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. 1 remains unresolved.

Recent Violations

Date Contaminant Type Status
July 1, 2025 Revised Total Coliform Rule Monitoring Resolved
July 1, 2025 E. coli Monitoring Resolved
October 1, 2024 Surface Water Treatment Rule Monitoring Resolved
October 1, 2024 Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Monitoring Resolved
January 11, 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Monitoring Resolved
October 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
Surface Water Treatment Rule Treatment Failure 4 No
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) Disinfection Byproducts 3 No
Lead and Copper Rule Treatment Failure 2 No
Uranium Radionuclides 1 No
HAA6Br Disinfection Byproducts 1 No
Contaminant 0700 Other Violation 1 Yes
Revised Total Coliform Rule Microbiological 1 No
E. coli Microbiological 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
17007 0.0018 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 South Middleton Twp Water Authority (PA7210050) on EPA.gov.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is South Middleton Twp Water Authority water safe to drink?

South Middleton Twp Water Authority 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 South Middleton Twp Water Authority serve?

South Middleton Twp Water Authority serves approximately 11,695 people across 5 ZIP codes in Pennsylvania.

Where does South Middleton Twp Water Authority 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 SOUTH MIDDLETON TWP WATER AUTH 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
149
Detections
1
Latest sample
6/19/2025
Highest analyte
PFBS: 3.2 ppt
Analyte Max detected Current MCL Status
PFBS 3.2 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 →

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 South Middleton Twp Water Authority safe to drink?
South Middleton Twp Water Authority has a C safety grade based on 14 recorded violations. Some contaminants may exceed EPA limits — independent testing is recommended.
What contaminants are in South Middleton Twp Water Authority's water?
Detected contaminants include Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), Uranium, HAA6Br, 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 South Middleton Twp Water Authority serve?
South Middleton Twp Water Authority serves approximately 11,695 people with drinking water across 5 ZIP codes.
What is South Middleton Twp Water Authority's water source?
South Middleton Twp Water Authority draws water from surface water sources. Source type affects which contaminants are most likely to be present.
Is there lead in South Middleton Twp Water Authority's water?
The maximum detected lead level is 0.0018 mg/L. This is within EPA action level guidelines.
What is the demographic profile of South Middleton Twp Water Authority's service area?
The South Middleton Twp Water Authority service area has a median household income of $79,769. Demographic data is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau and EPA EJScreen.
Where does South Middleton Twp Water Authority get its water?
South Middleton Twp Water Authority'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

South Middleton Twp Water Authority (EPA ID: PA7210050) — request the latest Consumer Confidence Report or ask about specific contaminants.

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