Is Cheswick, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Graded B — but Copper was detected above EPA limits. Here's what's in the water and how to remove it. What to do next ↓
76.9/100
waterverge.com Cheswick, PA — Water Quality Report
Cheswick's drinking water received a grade of B (76.9 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,061 residents using groundwater.
Lead levels were measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile), well within EPA limits. This system has not yet been tested for PFAS under the EPA UCMR 5 program.
The system has 156 violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved.
What to know about Cheswick's water
Cheswick ranks #123 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Cheswick relies on groundwater, which is generally less vulnerable to surface contamination but can be affected by naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and nitrate, as well as agricultural and industrial runoff.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Cheswick, PA water safe to drink?
Cheswick's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (76.9/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 2 water systems serve approximately 5,061 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Cheswick
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Cheswick's water quality assessment. Grade: B (76.9/100).
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Bromate.
Contaminants: Combined Uranium.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3356). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Federal disaster declaration (FEMA DR-3235). Hurricane event — may have impacted local water infrastructure.
Key contaminant findings
Based on the most recent EPA sampling data for Cheswick's water supply.
Well within EPA limits.
Exceeds EPA action level. Copper can leach from household plumbing — flush taps for 30 seconds before drinking.
Violation history
Cheswick's water system has 156 total violations on record, including 6 health-based violations. 9 remain unresolved. 3 violations were issued in the last 5 years.
Flood & environmental risk
Allegheny County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe storms can overwhelm water treatment plants, cause sewage overflows, and introduce agricultural runoff, bacteria, and sediment into drinking water supplies. Local water sources include Allegheny River At Lock & Dam 5 Near Freeport, Allegheny River Bl Lock & Dam 5 Near Freeport, Allegheny River At Natrona, Allegheny River (Lower Pool) At Natrona, Allegheny R At Cw Bill Young L&D At Acmetonia.
Where does Cheswick's water come from?
Cheswick's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 2 water systems serving approximately 5,061 people. Groundwater is generally less susceptible to surface contamination but can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate. Nearby water bodies include Allegheny River At Lock & Dam 5 Near Freeport (river), Allegheny River Bl Lock & Dam 5 Near Freeport (river), Allegheny River At Natrona (river), Allegheny River (Lower Pool) At Natrona (river), Allegheny R At Cw Bill Young L&D At Acmetonia (river).
What Cheswick residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Cheswick's water.
Your water utility is required to publish an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) with detailed testing results. Ask for the latest copy or check your utility's website.
Cheswick's area has a history of flooding. After severe weather, watch for boil water advisories from your local utility.
Data: EPA SDWIS, UCMR 5 (PFAS), FEMA, NOAA. Last updated May 2026.
Top contaminants to know
View all ↓Violation summary
Violations & advisories
Top industrial polluters within 10 miles of Cheswick
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Cheswick, ranked by pounds discharged annually.
Total reported releases to surface water: 1,755 lbs
| Facility | Top chemical | To surface water (lbs/yr) | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
BRAEBURN ALLOY STEEL LLC LOWER BURRELL, PA15068 | Nickel | 1,182 | 6.6 mi |
MCCONWAY & TORLEY LLC PLT 1801 PITTSBURGH, PA15201 | Manganese compounds | 426 | 9.5 mi |
ATI FLAT ROLLED PRODUCTS HOLDINGS LLC BRACKENRIDGE, PA15014 | Nickel And Nickel Compounds | 119 | 5.4 mi |
PPG INDUSTRIESINC-SPRINGDALE COMPLEX SPRINGDALE, PA15144 | Zinc compounds | 28 | 1.0 mi |
CURTISS WRIGHT ELECTRO MECH CORP CHESWICK, PA15024 | Nickel | 0 | 0.7 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Cheswick
Superfund sites nearby
Federally tracked hazardous-waste sites on the EPA National Priorities List. Proximity does not necessarily indicate tap-water contamination — the connection depends on hydrology and treatment.
- LINDANE DUMP7.3 mi
Source: EPA Superfund National Priorities List
Flood & disaster history
Allegheny County has experienced 8 federally declared disasters since 1972. Flooding and severe weather can compromise water treatment infrastructure and introduce contaminants into drinking water supplies.
Recommended water filters
Based on contaminants detected in Cheswick's water supply, we recommend the following filter types.
Full contaminants report
| Contaminant | Detected Level | EPA Limit | Unit | Category | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lead (90th percentile) LeadHeavy Metal A toxic heavy metal that can leach into drinking water from older pipes, solder, and fixtures. No amount of lead in water is considered safe. Health EffectsBrain and nervous system damage in children, kidney damage, high blood pressure, and reproductive problems in adults. EPA Limit15 ppb action level Common SourcesCorrosion of lead pipes, lead solder, brass faucets, and household plumbing. | 3.0 | 15 | ppb | Inorganic | Safe |
| Copper (90th percentile) CopperInorganic A metal that enters drinking water mainly through corrosion of copper plumbing. Small amounts are essential for health, but excess levels are harmful. Health EffectsGastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) at short-term high levels; liver and kidney damage from long-term exposure. EPA Limit1.3 mg/L action level Common SourcesCorrosion of copper household plumbing, erosion of natural deposits. | 1.43 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Cheswick compares by contaminant
Explore where Cheswick ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Cheswick's water comes from
Cheswick's drinking water is drawn from underground aquifers through wells.
Groundwater is naturally filtered through rock and soil layers, generally requiring less treatment than surface water. However, it can contain naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and minerals.
Agricultural activity, septic systems, and industrial operations near well fields can introduce nitrates, pesticides, and volatile organic compounds.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 5,061 people through 2 water systems.
Water bodies near Cheswick
Cheswick is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Cheswick
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARMAR TWP MUNI AUTH | PA5020009 | 3,200 | GW |
| CHESWICK BORO WATER DEPT | PA5020008 | 1,861 | GWP |
How Cheswick compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Cheswick's score of 76.9/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Cheswick, PA
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Cheswick's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Allegheny
Frequently asked questions
Is Cheswick, PA tap water safe to drink?
Cheswick's water quality earned a grade of B (76.9/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #123 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Cheswick's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 156 violations are on record.
How is Cheswick's water quality grade calculated?
The grade is based on four factors: violation history (40%), lead and copper levels (25%), PFAS contamination (25%), and regulatory compliance (10%). The score is also adjusted based on how complete the available data is. See our methodology page for full details.
Do I need a water filter in Cheswick?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Cheswick's water come from?
Cheswick's water is sourced from Groundwater. The city has 2 water systems serving approximately 5,061 residents.
What health violations has Cheswick's water system had?
Cheswick has 6 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in July 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 9 violations remain unresolved.
Is Cheswick's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Cheswick uses groundwater, which can be affected by naturally occurring contaminants like arsenic, radon, and nitrate, as well as agricultural runoff and industrial activity. The system has 156 violations on record that may relate to groundwater quality. Groundwater systems are generally less susceptible to surface contamination but should be monitored for emerging contaminants like PFAS.
How does Cheswick's water compare to other cities?
Cheswick ranks #123 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 78% of state cities) and #9154 out of 15744 cities nationally (42th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.