Is Harwick, 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 ↓
78.2/100
waterverge.com Harwick, PA — Water Quality Report
Harwick's drinking water received a grade of B (78.2 out of 100), indicating good water quality. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,600 residents using purchased ground water.
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 26 violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved.
What to know about Harwick's water
Harwick ranks #111 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania for water quality, placing it above average in the state.
Harwick purchases its water from a regional wholesaler, meaning quality depends on both the supplier's treatment and the local distribution system's condition.
As a small community water system, Harwick may have fewer resources for advanced treatment technologies and infrastructure upgrades compared to larger utilities.
Water quality score
See methodology →Is Harwick, PA water safe to drink?
Harwick's drinking water has significant quality concerns based on EPA testing data. With a grade of B (78.2/100), the system has issues across multiple categories. A water filter is recommended for all residents. The city's 1 water system serves approximately 1,600 residents using groundwater (wells).
Recent water quality updates for Harwick
A timeline of significant water quality events, violations, and data updates.
Latest EPA compliance and testing data incorporated into Harwick's water quality assessment. Grade: B (78.2/100).
1 health-based. Contaminants: Lead and Copper Rule.
Contaminants: Consumer Confidence Rule.
Contaminants: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
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 Harwick'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
Harwick's water system has 26 total violations on record, including 3 health-based violations. 6 remain unresolved. 1 violation was 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 Harwick's water come from?
Harwick's drinking water comes from groundwater (wells), supplied by 1 water system serving approximately 1,600 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 Harwick residents can do
Recommended: NSF-certified water filter. This addresses the specific contaminants found in Harwick'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.
Harwick'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 Harwick
Industrial polluters nearby
Reported releases to surface water by facilities near Harwick, 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 | 6.2 mi |
MCCONWAY & TORLEY LLC PLT 1801 PITTSBURGH, PA15201 | Manganese compounds | 426 | 9.8 mi |
ATI FLAT ROLLED PRODUCTS HOLDINGS LLC BRACKENRIDGE, PA15014 | Nickel And Nickel Compounds | 119 | 4.9 mi |
PPG INDUSTRIESINC-SPRINGDALE COMPLEX SPRINGDALE, PA15144 | Zinc compounds | 28 | 1.7 mi |
CURTISS WRIGHT ELECTRO MECH CORP CHESWICK, PA15024 | Nickel | 0 | 0.4 mi |
Source: EPA Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) 2023
Superfund sites within 10 miles of Harwick
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 DUMP6.7 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 Harwick'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. | 1.53 | 1.3 | mg/L | Inorganic | Over Limit |
Lead level trend (90th percentile)
Copper level trend (90th percentile)
See how Harwick compares by contaminant
Explore where Harwick ranks among all Pennsylvania cities for specific contaminants.
Water source & infrastructure
Where Harwick's water comes from
Harwick purchases its water supply from a regional wholesale provider rather than treating raw water directly.
Water quality depends on both the wholesaler's treatment standards and the condition of Harwick's local distribution pipes and storage facilities.
Purchased water systems are common in suburban areas and smaller communities that lack the infrastructure for independent treatment.
The system is operated by local government ownership and serves approximately 1,600 people through 1 water system.
Water bodies near Harwick
Harwick is located near 5 notable water bodies. These water bodies contribute to the regional watershed and may indirectly affect groundwater quality.
Water systems serving Harwick
| System Name | PWSID | Population | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| TOWNSHIP OF SPRINGDALE | PA5020021 | 1,600 | GWP |
How Harwick compares
Full Pennsylvania rankings →Harwick's score of 78.2/100 is above the average of 49/100 among major Pennsylvania cities. It outscores 8 of 10 nearby cities.
Nearby cities
View Pennsylvania rankings →About Harwick, PA
Wikipedia →Harwick is a census-designated place (CDP) in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States, and is located within Springdale Township. As of the 2020 census, it had a population of 850.
Learn more about your water
Guides and resources related to Harwick's water quality findings.
Explore water quality across Allegheny
Frequently asked questions
Is Harwick, PA tap water safe to drink?
Harwick's water quality earned a grade of B (78.2/100). Some concerns have been identified. Consider a water filter for an extra layer of protection. The city ranks #111 out of 560 cities tested in Pennsylvania.
What contaminants are in Harwick's water?
Lead was measured at 3.0 ppb (90th percentile). 26 violations are on record.
How is Harwick'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 Harwick?
Based on current data, basic filtration should suffice for additional peace of mind.
Where does Harwick's water come from?
Harwick's water is sourced from Purchased ground water. The city has 1 water system serving approximately 1,600 residents.
What health violations has Harwick's water system had?
Harwick has 3 health-based violations on record. The most recent violation was recorded in April 2025. Health-based violations mean the water exceeded EPA maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) for a regulated substance. 6 violations remain unresolved.
Is Harwick's groundwater at risk of contamination?
Harwick 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 26 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 Harwick's water compare to other cities?
Harwick ranks #111 out of 560 cities in Pennsylvania (better than 80% of state cities) and #8765 out of 15744 cities nationally (44th percentile). The grade of B reflects the combined assessment of violation history, lead and copper levels, PFAS contamination, and regulatory compliance.
Does Harwick's small water system affect quality?
Harwick's system serves approximately 1,600 residents. Small community water systems (under 3,300 people) may have fewer financial resources for infrastructure upgrades and advanced treatment technologies. However, they are held to the same EPA drinking water standards as larger systems. This system has 26 violations on record.