Water Quality in 19601 — Reading, PA
EPA data for READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY
Data source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SDWIS Last verified: March 16, 2026
Your Water System
ZIP code 19601 in Reading, Pennsylvania is served by READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (EPA ID: PA3060059). This system provides water to approximately 95,100 people from surface water sources.
There are 10 community water systems serving this area.
Lead & Copper in Your Water
No Lead & Copper Rule sampling data available for systems serving this ZIP code.
Violation Summary
Recent Violations
| Date | Contaminant | Type | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 1, 2025 | Contaminant 0700 | Monitoring | Unresolved |
| May 1, 2025 | Contaminant 0700 | Monitoring | Resolved |
| April 1, 2025 | Contaminant 0800 | Health-based | Resolved |
| April 1, 2025 | Contaminant 0800 | Health-based | Resolved |
| October 1, 2024 | Contaminant 0700 | Monitoring | Resolved |
| November 1, 2023 | Contaminant 0700 | Monitoring | Resolved |
| November 1, 2023 | Contaminant 0700 | Monitoring | Resolved |
| October 1, 2023 | Gross Alpha | Monitoring | Resolved |
| October 1, 2023 | Gross Alpha | Monitoring | Resolved |
| October 1, 2023 | Radium-226 | Monitoring | Resolved |
| October 1, 2023 | Radium-226 | Monitoring | Resolved |
| October 1, 2023 | Radium-228 | Monitoring | Resolved |
| October 1, 2023 | Radium-228 | Monitoring | Resolved |
| July 1, 2023 | Surface Water Treatment Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
| July 1, 2023 | Surface Water Treatment Rule | Monitoring | Resolved |
Contaminants Detected
The following contaminants have been flagged in EPA records for water systems serving this ZIP code:
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | Health-Based |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 7 | No |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 3 | No |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 3 | No |
| Contaminant 0800 | Other | 2 | Yes |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | No |
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 2 | No |
| Radium-226 | Radionuclides | 2 | No |
| Radium-228 | Radionuclides | 2 | No |
Need help with your water quality?
Call to get connected with a local professional in your area.
Call (855) 384-4856This is a free service. You will be connected with an independent service provider.
Water Systems Serving This Area
| System Name | EPA ID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY | PA3060059 | 95,100 | Surface water |
| PAW PENN DISTRICT | PA3060069 | 28,508 | Groundwater |
| MUHLENBERG TWP MUNI AUTH | PA3060038 | 21,000 | Groundwater |
| SHILLINGTON MUNI AUTH | PA3060067 | 13,300 | Surface water |
| MT PENN BORO MUNI AUTH | PA3060082 | 10,400 | Groundwater |
What You Can Do
- Request your water system’s Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) — Your utility is required to publish this annually
- Consider a home water test — Independent testing can reveal issues in your specific plumbing
- Install a certified water filter — NSF-certified filters can address specific contaminants
- Contact your water provider — Ask about current treatment and any ongoing remediation
Need help with water testing or filtration?
Call to get connected with a local professional in your area.
Call (855) 384-4856This is a free service. You will be connected with an independent service provider.
Other Water Quality Reports in Pennsylvania
- 15068 (New Kensington)
- 15201 (Pittsburgh) — 76 violations
- 15501 (Somerset) — 25 violations
- 15601 (Greensburg) — 18 violations
- 15701 (Indiana) — 51 violations
- 15901 (Johnstown) — 208 violations
- 16001 (Butler) — 43 violations
- 16016 (Boyers) — 223 violations
- 16101 (New Castle) — 2 violations
- 16142 (New Wilmington) — 10 violations
- 16335 (Meadville) — 6 violations
- 16365 (Warren) — 23 violations
- 16401 (Albion) — 90 violations
- 16412 (Edinboro) — 109 violations
- 16501 (Erie) — 74 violations
- 16601 (Altoona) — 10 violations
- 16630 (Cresson) — 8 violations
- 16651 (Houtzdale) — 11 violations
- 16652 (Huntingdon) — 27 violations
- 16801 (State College) — 104 violations
Nearby Water Quality Reports
- 17573 (Lancaster) — 25 mi — 92 violations
- 18049 (Emmaus) — 26 mi — 19 violations
- 18101 (Allentown) — 30 mi — 52 violations
- 19380 (West Chester) — 31 mi — 38 violations
- 18015 (Bethlehem) — 34 mi — 16 violations
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View the full compliance record for READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY (PA3060059) on EPA.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water in 19601 safe to drink?
Reading’s water system 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.
Where does 19601’s water come from?
The primary water source for this area is surface water. READING AREA WATER AUTHORITY serves approximately 95,100 people.
How can I get my water tested?
Contact your local water utility for a free water quality report, or hire a certified lab for independent home water testing. The EPA recommends testing annually if you use a private well.
Does 19601 have lead in the water?
No Lead and Copper Rule sampling data is currently available in EPA records for water systems serving ZIP code 19601. If you are concerned about lead, contact your water utility or have your tap water independently tested.
What is the radon risk in 19601?
Radon zone data is not available for ZIP code 19601. The EPA recommends testing all homes for radon regardless of location, as radon levels can vary significantly even within the same neighborhood.