Is Lancaster tap water safe to drink?

Yes with good quality

Lancaster'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
6.8 GPG
Hardness
Not detected
PFAS

2 Issues Detected in Lancaster

Moderate Chlorine Level

Chlorine within EPA limits but may affect taste.

Chlorine info for Lancaster

Arsenic Approaching Limit (0.3 mg/L)

EPA limit is 0.010 mg/L.

Arsenic info for Lancaster
Pennsylvania

176,011,760,217,603 · Conestoga River and Susquehanna River

Lancaster, PA Water Quality Report

Low Risk Updated March 2026 59,322 residents
See Best Filters for Lancaster
82
Purity Score

Contaminant Levels

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

Health Insights

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

Score

82 /100
Good
"Good" threshold (70)

Lancaster tap water is sourced from Conestoga River and Susquehanna River and treated by Lancaster City Water. Overall purity score: 82/100 (Good). Updated for 2026.

Fix Your Water

Best filters matched to Lancaster's 2 issues.

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Lancaster Water FAQ

Is Lancaster PA tap water safe to drink in 2026?
Lancaster 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 Lancaster PA use chlorine or chloramine for disinfection?
Lancaster uses chloramine as the primary disinfectant with a residual level of 1.5 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 Lancaster PA water and what is the TDS level?
Lancaster water hardness is 6.8 grains per gallon (moderate) with a TDS of 240 ppm (fair). This level is unlikely to cause significant scale buildup in household plumbing.
Has PFAS been found in Lancaster PA drinking water?
Based on available EPA UCMR5 monitoring data as of 2026 PFAS have not been detected above EPA advisory levels in Lancaster drinking water.
What is the best water filter for Lancaster?
Based on Lancaster's water profile, we recommend the Clearly Filtered Water Pitcher. Lancaster 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 — 82/100ReadingPennsylvania — 82/100ScrantonPennsylvania — 82/100

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Data Sources

  • EPA SDWIS
  • EWG Tap Water Database
  • Lancaster City Water CCR
  • USGS monitoring data

PurityMap compiles public data. Updated March 2026.

© 2026 PurityMap. For informational purposes only.

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