Is Reading tap water safe to drink?

Yes with good quality

Reading's tap water meets all EPA standards and scores well on our analysis. It is generally safe to drink though filtration can improve taste and provide extra precaution.

82/100
Purity Score
2
Issues Found
5.5 GPG
Hardness
Not detected
PFAS

2 Issues Detected in Reading

Moderate Chlorine Level

Chlorine within EPA limits but may affect taste.

Chlorine info for Reading

Arsenic Approaching Limit (0.3 mg/L)

EPA limit is 0.010 mg/L.

Arsenic info for Reading
Pennsylvania

196,011,960,219,604 · Maiden Creek and Lake Ontelaunee

Reading, PA Water Quality Report

Low Risk Updated March 2026 95,112 residents
See Best Filters for Reading
82
Purity Score

Contaminant Levels

PFAS
ND
Lead
6 ppb
Nitrate
0.8 mg/L
Arsenic
0.3 mg/L
Hardness
5.5 gpg

Health Insights

  • 1
    Chlorine levels may affect the taste of Reading's tap water. A carbon filter improves flavor.

Score

82 /100
Good
"Good" threshold (70)

Reading tap water is sourced from Maiden Creek and Lake Ontelaunee and treated by Reading Area Water Authority. Overall purity score: 82/100 (Good). Updated for 2026.

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Reading Water FAQ

Is Reading PA tap water safe to drink in 2026?
Reading tap water meets EPA federal drinking water standards and scores 82/100 (Good) on PurityMap for 2026. For most healthy adults the water is considered safe but point-of-use filtration adds an important layer of protection.
Does Reading PA use chlorine or chloramine for disinfection?
Reading uses chloramine as the primary disinfectant with a residual level of 1.6 ppm. Chloramine is harder to remove than free chlorine and requires a catalytic carbon or reverse osmosis filter. Standard Brita-style pitchers will NOT remove chloramine.
How hard is Reading PA water and what is the TDS level?
Reading water hardness is 5.5 grains per gallon (moderate) with a TDS of 195 ppm (fair). This level is unlikely to cause significant scale buildup in household plumbing.
Has PFAS been found in Reading PA drinking water?
Based on available EPA UCMR5 monitoring data as of 2026 PFAS have not been detected above EPA advisory levels in Reading drinking water.
What is the best water filter for Reading?
Based on Reading's water profile, we recommend the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher. Reading has elevated chlorine residuals. An under-sink carbon filter removes chlorine and disinfection byproducts at the tap.

Nearby Reports

PittsburghPennsylvania — 58/100AllentownPennsylvania — 63/100PhiladelphiaPennsylvania — 67/100EriePennsylvania — 82/100ScrantonPennsylvania — 82/100BethlehemPennsylvania — 82/100

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Data Sources

  • EPA SDWIS
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • Reading Area Water Authority CCR
  • USGS monitoring data

PurityMap compiles public data. Updated March 2026.

© 2026 PurityMap. For informational purposes only.

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