Water Quality: Somerset, PA
8 water systems • 12,750 people served
Multiple Health ViolationsWater Quality Summary
Somerset is served by 8 public water systems with a combined service population of 12,750 people, and has 549 EPA Safe Drinking Water Act violations on record. Critically, 11 of those are health-based violations, meaning one or more contaminants were detected above EPA-established safe levels — a serious public health concern. Somerset's violation count is 102% above the national average for Pennsylvania. Contaminants associated with violations include Chlorine Dioxide, Disinfection Byproducts, Fecal Coliform.
Contaminants Found
Can cause anemia in infants and young children; may cause nervous system effects at high levels.
Common source: Water treatment disinfectant used to control taste, odor, and microorganisms
EPA limit: 0.8 mg/L
Broad category of chemicals formed during disinfection, associated with increased cancer risk and adverse reproductive effects.
Common source: Reaction of disinfectants (chlorine, ozone, chloramines) with organic matter
Indicates direct fecal contamination; associated with diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and potential severe illness.
Common source: Human and animal fecal waste
EPA limit: Zero tolerance (any positive triggers violations)
Water Systems Serving Somerset
| System Name | PWSID | Source | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOMERSET BORO MUNI WATER AUTH | PA4560042 | Surface Water | 6,309 | 106 |
| SOMERSET TWP MUNI AUTH OAKRIDG | PA4560046 | Surface Water | 3,800 | 10 |
| SOMERSET TWP M A FRIEDENS | PA4560057 | Surface Water | 1,374 | 11 |
| SOMERSET TWP MA READING MINES | PA4560019 | Groundwater | 494 | 204 |
| JEFFERSON TWP WATER AND SEWER | PA4560018 | Groundwater | 350 | 20 |
| SOMERSET TWP MUN AUTH LISTIE | PA4560002 | Groundwater | 218 | 148 |
| GLADES PIKE ESTATES MHP LLC | PA4560004 | Groundwater | 180 | 43 |
| SOMERSET CNTY QUEMAHONING SYST | PA4560009 | Surface Water | 25 | 7 |
Concerned About Your Water?
A home water filter can remove common contaminants. NSF-certified filters are tested against EPA standards.
Consider a reverse osmosis system for comprehensive filtration or a carbon filter for basic improvement.
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
Data Sources
Drinking water violation data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). Data includes all recorded violations for active community water systems.