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Not health advice. Contact your local water utility for concerns.
Data from EPA Water Quality Reports. For official information, contact your water utility or health department.
EPA records for LCA ALLENTOWN DIVISION • Updated October 2026
Grade C — based on EPA compliance records, lead testing and PFAS monitoring
LCA ALLENTOWN DIVISION has a mixed record — read the reasons below; the deductions come from real EPA violations, lead results or PFAS detections, not from a template.
Allentown, PA tap water is legal to drink but grades C on EPA's records, mainly because of PFOA or PFOS measured at or above the 4 ppt federal limit in 2023–2025 EPA sampling and lead at 7 ppb (90th percentile) — under the 15 ppb action level but above 5 ppb. A certified filter matched to those findings is a reasonable precaution. The catch is lead pipes: Allentown's water system reports 10,391 lead or galvanized service lines still in the ground in EPA's 2026 inventory, and lead leaches from those pipes after the water leaves the plant. If your home is on one, test at the tap or use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead.
Allentown, PA tap water is legal to drink but grades C on EPA's records, mainly because of PFOA or PFOS measured at or above the 4 ppt federal limit in 2023–2025 EPA sampling and lead at 7 ppb (90th percentile) — under the 15 ppb action level but above 5 ppb. A certified filter matched to those findings is a reasonable precaution. The catch is lead pipes: Allentown's water system reports 10,391 lead or galvanized service lines still in the ground in EPA's 2026 inventory, and lead leaches from those pipes after the water leaves the plant. If your home is on one, test at the tap or use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead.
LCA ALLENTOWN DIVISION's most recent Lead and Copper Rule result (2025-06-01 to 2025-09-30) was 7 ppb at the 90th percentile, below EPA's 15 ppb action level. Because lead usually comes from service lines and household plumbing, homes built before 1986 should still test at the tap.
Yes. EPA's UCMR5 sampling (2023-02-06 to 2023-11-14) detected PFBS, PFHxA, PFOS, PFPeA, with PFOA or PFOS at or above the 4 ppt federal MCL. Reverse osmosis and certified activated-carbon filters reduce PFAS.
LCA ALLENTOWN DIVISION has 5 violations on file since 2016: 0 health-based in the last five years and 4 monitoring or reporting violations in that window. Monitoring violations are paperwork lapses, not measured contamination.
LCA ALLENTOWN DIVISION reports surface water as its primary source and serves about 118,000 people (EPA PWSID PA3390024).
We recommend one. Reverse osmosis or a PFAS-certified carbon filter addresses the PFAS result. An NSF/ANSI 53 lead-certified filter addresses lead.
Compare filter options for your Allentown tap water
PFOA or PFOS was measured at or above EPA's 4 ppt limit in Allentown's UCMR5 sampling.
See the filters matched to Allentown's EPA results → — which certification actually removes what was found here, and what it does not touch.
Unsure which contaminants to treat? Compare home kits and certified lab testing before buying.
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LCA ALLENTOWN DIVISION · SDWIS records since 2016 · 5-year window starts 2021-09-13
EPA records no health-based violations for this system in the last five years. The 4 violations on file in that window are monitoring or reporting paperwork issues, not measured contaminant exceedances.
| Violation | Category | Compliance period | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monitoring of Treatment (SWTR-Unfilt/GWR)Groundwater Rule | Monitoring & reporting | 2024-09-01 → 2024-09-30 | Resolvedreturned 2024-09-30 |
| Monitoring of Treatment (SWTR-Filter)Surface Water Treatment Rule | Monitoring & reporting | 2024-09-01 → 2024-09-30 | Resolvedreturned 2024-09-30 |
| Monitoring and Reporting (DBP)Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Monitoring & reporting | 2024-07-01 → 2024-09-30 | Resolvedreturned 2024-09-30 |
| Monitoring and Reporting (DBP)TTHM | Monitoring & reporting | 2024-07-01 → 2024-09-30 | Resolvedreturned 2024-09-30 |
| Report Sample Result/Fail Monitor (RTCR)Revised Total Coliform Rule | Reporting | 2016-06-01 | Resolvedreturned 2016-08-12 |
Source: ECHO SDWA bulk download (SDWA_VIOLATIONS_ENFORCEMENT.csv, SDWIS 2026Q2, file dated 2026-07-09, fetched 2026-09-13)
EPA Lead and Copper Rule 90th-percentile results reported by LCA ALLENTOWN DIVISION
Below the action level, but detectable. In the most recent monitoring period on file (2025-06-01 to 2025-09-30), 90% of the homes LCA ALLENTOWN DIVISION sampled had lead at or below 7 ppb.
EPA's action level is 15 ppb (dropping to 10 ppb under the 2024 Lead and Copper Rule Improvements). There is no safe level of lead; the 90th-percentile figure describes the system, not your tap — homes with lead service lines or pre-1986 plumbing can be higher.
| Monitoring period | Lead 90th percentile | vs 15 ppb action level |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-06-01 → 2025-09-30 | 7 ppb | Below the action level, but detectable |
| 2022-06-01 → 2022-09-30 | 10.2 ppb | Below the action level, but detectable |
| 2019-06-01 → 2019-09-30 | 6 ppb | Below the action level, but detectable |
| 2016-06-01 → 2016-09-30 | 9 ppb | Below the action level, but detectable |
| 2013-06-01 → 2013-09-30 | 6.4 ppb | Below the action level, but detectable |
| 2010-01-01 → 2010-12-31 | 8.8 ppb | Below the action level, but detectable |
| 2007-01-01 → 2007-12-31 | 7.8 ppb | Below the action level, but detectable |
| 2004-01-01 → 2004-12-31 | 9 ppb | Below the action level, but detectable |
| 2001-01-01 → 2001-12-31 | 8 ppb | Below the action level, but detectable |
| 2000-01-01 → 2000-12-31 | 6 ppb | Below the action level, but detectable |
| 1999-01-01 → 1999-06-30 | 0 ppb | Well below the 15 ppb action level |
| 1998-01-01 → 1998-12-31 | 6 ppb | Below the action level, but detectable |
Source: ECHO SDWA bulk download (SDWA_LCR_SAMPLES.csv, SDWIS 2026Q2, file dated 2026-07-09, fetched 2026-09-13)
EPA UCMR5 monitoring, 2023-02-06 to 2023-11-14 · 232 PFAS results at entry points to the distribution system
PFOS measured at or above EPA's legal limit in at least one sample. Utilities have until 2029 (2031 under EPA's proposed extension) to comply with the 2024 PFAS rule, so a result above the MCL today is not yet a violation — but it is the number that matters for your health.
| Compound | Detects / samples | Max (ppt) | Reporting limit | EPA MCL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA | 0 / 8 | < 4 | 4 ppt | 4 ppt |
| PFOS | 1 / 8 | 4.4 | 4 ppt | 4 ppt |
| PFHxS | 0 / 8 | < 3 | 3 ppt | 10 ppt |
| PFNA | 0 / 8 | < 4 | 4 ppt | 10 ppt |
| HFPO-DA | 0 / 8 | < 5 | 5 ppt | 10 ppt |
| PFBS | 1 / 8 | 3 | 3 ppt | hazard index only |
| PFHxA | 4 / 8 | 6.4 | 3 ppt | hazard index only |
| PFPeA | 8 / 8 | 7.5 | 3 ppt | hazard index only |
“< 4 ppt” means below the laboratory reporting limit, not zero. ppt = parts per trillion (ng/L). Results are for finished water leaving the treatment plant.
What PFAS are and how to remove them → · Best filters for PFAS →
Source: UCMR5 occurrence data, EPA Data Summary July 2026 (UCMR5_All.txt)
EPA Six-Year Review 4 compliance samples for LCA ALLENTOWN DIVISION · finished water only · dated data, released 2024
These are the regulated-contaminant samples LCA ALLENTOWN DIVISION reported to its state between 2012 and 2019 — the most recent nationwide sample-level dataset EPA has published. Total trihalomethanes (TTHM) is flagged below; the status column explains why. Treat this as history, not today's tap water.
| Contaminant | Samples | Average | Max | EPA limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenic | 162 detects | 0.089 µg/L | 0.77 µg/L | 10 µg/LMCL | Within MCL |
| Nitrate (as N) | 20 | 3.991 mg/L | 4.68 mg/L | 10 mg/LMCL | Within MCL |
| Fluoride | 16 | 0.436 mg/L | 0.6 mg/L | 4 mg/LMCL | Within MCL |
| Chromium (total) | 1615 detects | 2.112 µg/L | 3.7 µg/L | 100 µg/LMCL | Within MCL |
| Total trihalomethanes (TTHM) | 183 | 26.233 µg/L | 105 µg/L | 80 µg/LMCL (LRAA) | 1 single sample over MCL; average within limit |
| Haloacetic acids (HAA5) | 183181 detects | 11.361 µg/L | 31.1 µg/L | 60 µg/LMCL (LRAA) | Within MCL |
| Lead (tap samples) | 150135 detects | 3.603 µg/L | 38 µg/L | 15 µg/Laction level (90th percentile) | Reported, not scored (compliance is on the 90th percentile) |
| Copper (tap samples) | 150144 detects | 86.837 µg/L | 560 µg/L | 1300 µg/Laction level (90th percentile) | Reported, not scored (compliance is on the 90th percentile) |
Averages count non-detects as zero. TTHM and HAA5 limits are locational running annual averages, so a single high sample is not a violation — we grade those on the average only. Lead and copper rows are individual tap samples and are shown for context; compliance (and our score) uses the 90th-percentile result above. LRAA = locational running annual average; ND = not detected.
Source: SYR4 Six-Year Review compliance monitoring data 2012–2019 (released 2024-03)
A point-of-use (under-sink) system typically runs $200-$600 installed; whole-house treatment $1,000-$3,000+ depending on flow and what has to come out. Tell us where you are and a certified water-treatment installer serving Allentown will follow up - no obligation.
LCA ALLENTOWN DIVISION · 31,999 service lines inventoried · Q2 2026 snapshot
LCA ALLENTOWN DIVISION reports 10,391 service lines that are lead or galvanized-requiring-replacement (32% of the lines it has inventoried), plus 20,894 lines whose material is still unknown. A lead service line is the pipe between the water main and a building, so treated water can pick up lead after it leaves the plant — which city-level testing does not capture. Under EPA's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, utilities must replace lead lines within 10 years starting in 2027.
Source: EPA SDWIS Service Line Inventory (Q2 2026) · PWS ID PA3390024 · See all Pennsylvania lead service lines. We may earn a commission from filters and test kits, at no extra cost to you.
Surface-water systems draw from rivers, lakes or reservoirs and must filter and disinfect, which is why disinfection byproducts (TTHM, HAA5) are the readings to watch.
How to test your tap water and the treatment options that actually fit Allentown homes
The most reliable way to know what is actually coming out of your tap is a certified mail-in lab test. City-wide EPA data (like the report above) reflects the water leaving the treatment plant, but contaminants such as lead and copper can be picked up from your own service line and household plumbing — so the water at your Allentown faucet can differ from the system average. A state-certified lab measures dozens of contaminants at once with results you can trust; you can also find one near you through the EPA's certified-lab list at epa.gov/dwlabcert. Hardware-store test strips are cheaper and instant, but they only screen for a few basics (chlorine, hardness, pH, and a rough lead pass/fail) and are far less accurate — treat them as a first look, not a diagnosis.
Match the treatment to what your test finds. Reverse osmosis (RO) removes the widest range of contaminants — lead, arsenic, nitrate, PFAS, and dissolved solids — which makes an under-sink reverse osmosis system the most thorough choice for Allentown households with heavy-metal or PFAS concerns. If your main issue is taste, odor, or chlorine, an activated carbon filter (pitcher, faucet, or under-sink) is simpler and cheaper and handles chlorine and many organic compounds well, though carbon alone does not remove arsenic, nitrate, or most PFAS. NSF-certified pitchers rated for lead reduction are the easiest way to start today while you decide on a permanent setup.
We may earn a commission from testing kits and filters purchased through these links, at no extra cost to you.
What Allentown residents measured at their own tap (ZIPs 18101, 18102, 18103, 18104 +1 more). All reader results →
Reader submissions are unverified and shown separately from EPA data. They reflect one tap on one day, not the utility's compliance record.
No reader results for Allentown yet - yours would be the first. A hardness or TDS number from a $10 strip kit is enough to start the map.
Help build the first reader-sourced water map. Enter whatever your test strip, TDS pen or lab report shows - one number is enough.
Allentown ranks #3 of 4 graded Pennsylvania cities.
Deep-dive guides for the specific contaminants EPA data flagged in Allentown's water, with removal options for each.
Allentown, PA tap water is legal to drink but grades C on EPA's records, mainly because of PFOA or PFOS measured at or above the 4 ppt federal limit in 2023–2025 EPA sampling and lead at 7 ppb (90th percentile) — under the 15 ppb action level but above 5 ppb. A certified filter matched to those findings is a reasonable precaution. The catch is lead pipes: Allentown's water system reports 10,391 lead or galvanized service lines still in the ground in EPA's 2026 inventory, and lead leaches from those pipes after the water leaves the plant. If your home is on one, test at the tap or use a filter certified to NSF/ANSI 53 for lead.
LCA ALLENTOWN DIVISION's most recent Lead and Copper Rule result (2025-06-01 to 2025-09-30) was 7 ppb at the 90th percentile, below EPA's 15 ppb action level. Because lead usually comes from service lines and household plumbing, homes built before 1986 should still test at the tap.
Yes. EPA's UCMR5 sampling (2023-02-06 to 2023-11-14) detected PFBS, PFHxA, PFOS, PFPeA, with PFOA or PFOS at or above the 4 ppt federal MCL. Reverse osmosis and certified activated-carbon filters reduce PFAS.
LCA ALLENTOWN DIVISION has 5 violations on file since 2016: 0 health-based in the last five years and 4 monitoring or reporting violations in that window. Monitoring violations are paperwork lapses, not measured contamination.
LCA ALLENTOWN DIVISION reports surface water as its primary source and serves about 118,000 people (EPA PWSID PA3390024).
We recommend one. Reverse osmosis or a PFAS-certified carbon filter addresses the PFAS result. An NSF/ANSI 53 lead-certified filter addresses lead.
PFOA or PFOS was measured at or above EPA's 4 ppt limit in Allentown's UCMR5 sampling.
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