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WaterSafeCheck

ZIP Code 16503 Water Quality Report

Erie, PA · Erie County County

Safety Score
C

Water Safety Grade

Fair — Some compliance concerns

Health Violations

1

Total Violations

24

Lead Risk

High

Contaminants

1

About Tap Water in ZIP Code 16503

Tap water in ZIP code 16503 (Erie, PA) receives a C grade (score: 69/100) based on EPA monitoring data. While the water from Erie City Water Authority is treated and regulated, this area has a moderate violation history that residents should be aware of.

Water System

Erie City Water Authority

EPA ID: PA6250028

Water Source

Surface Water

Population Served

220,001 residents

County

Erie County County, Pennsylvania

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Lead Levels in ZIP 16503

EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb

Lead Level: 1.1 ppb — Very Low

The 90th percentile lead level in 16503 is 1.1 ppb, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb. While this is a reassuring result, the EPA's public health goal for lead is actually zero — no amount of lead is considered completely safe, particularly for children under 6 and pregnant women. Running your tap for 30 seconds before use and using a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter adds an extra layer of protection.

Lead exposure risk in 16503 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 63% probability of lead exposure risk in this ZIP code based on housing age, infrastructure age, and water system data. This typically reflects older housing stock built before 1986 (when lead pipes were banned), aging distribution infrastructure, or detected lead levels in water samples. Families should prioritize getting their tap water tested independently and installing a certified lead-reducing filter.

Lead Level (90th percentile)
1.10 ppb (0.0011 mg/L)
Lead (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

1.1 ppb
Copper (Consumer Confidence Report)

From annual CCR filing

0.2 ppb
Lead Exposure Risk Rating
High
Lead Exposure Probability

EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure

63%
Note: Lead levels above are the 90th percentile from EPA monitoring — meaning 90% of samples were at or below this level. Even "undetected" tap water lead doesn't account for lead leaching from home plumbing. If your home was built before 1986, individual tap testing is recommended.
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Violation History

Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data

Erie City Water Authority has recorded 1 health-based violation in the past 5 years. A single health violation means the water exceeded an EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) at some point. Most water systems resolve these quickly, but residents should review the Consumer Confidence Report for details. 1 violation is currently unresolved — meaning the issue has not yet been formally corrected in EPA records. This is a serious concern that residents should follow up on with their water utility.

Total Violations (5 yr)
24
Health-Based Violations
1
Unresolved Violations
1
Boil Water Advisories
0
Compliance Risk
Critical

Regulatory compliance risk is rated Critical — the highest risk category. Erie City Water Authority has an extensive history of unresolved violations and enforcement actions. Independent water testing is highly recommended.

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Contaminants Detected

Contaminants with health-based violations on record

EPA records identify 1 contaminant associated with health-based violations in ZIP code 16503: Haloacetic Acids (HAA5). These contaminants exceeded the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act at some point in the 5-year monitoring period. The presence of these violations does not necessarily mean water is currently unsafe — water systems are often required to increase monitoring and treatment when violations occur. Review the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the most current status.

Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)

From Consumer Confidence Report:

Chlorine (1.33 ppm*); Trihalomethane (TTHM) (42.565 ppb*)

⚖ Enforcement Actions

10 enforcement actions have been issued against Erie City Water Authority — a high number that reflects sustained compliance struggles. Enforcement actions escalate from administrative orders to financial penalties when utilities repeatedly fail to meet safe drinking water standards.
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Water Source & Environmental Factors

Surface Water

This system draws water from lakes, rivers, or reservoirs. Surface water is treated to remove sediment, microorganisms, and chemical contaminants before reaching taps.

Water Source Type
Surface Water
EPA Radon Zone

Highest potential

Zone 1
Energy Burden

% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure

9.88%

EPA Radon Zone 1 — highest potential for radon in indoor air. Homeowners should test their home for radon and consider mitigation if levels exceed 4 pCi/L.

🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 16503 Recommendations

  • ⚠ Use a certified NSF/ANSI 53 filter for drinking and cooking water if you have young children
  • ⚠ Never give unfiltered tap water to infants in formula — use certified bottled or filtered water
  • ⚠ Request a copy of the Consumer Confidence Report to see what was detected and when
  • ⚠ Call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791

Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 16503 Water Quality

Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 16503?+
Tap water in 16503 (Erie, PA) is treated and regulated, but has a grade of C due to past violations. For most healthy adults, treated tap water is generally safe. Families with infants, young children, or immunocompromised individuals may want to use a certified water filter as a precaution.
What is the lead level in 16503 tap water?+
The 90th percentile lead level in 16503 is 1.1 ppb (parts per billion). The EPA action level is 15 ppb. This is a low level, well below the EPA action level of 15 ppb.
Who provides tap water to 16503?+
Tap water in ZIP code 16503 is provided by Erie City Water Authority (EPA ID: PA6250028). This system serves approximately 220,001 residents. You can contact them directly for Consumer Confidence Reports, current advisories, and billing information.
What is the water source for 16503?+
ZIP code 16503 is served by surface water. Surface water systems draw from rivers, lakes, or reservoirs and must meet strict EPA treatment requirements including filtration and disinfection.
Does 16503 have any active water quality violations?+
Yes — there are currently 1 unresolved violation on record for this water system. Unresolved violations indicate issues that have not yet been formally corrected in EPA tracking systems. Contact Erie City Water Authority for the latest update.
How do I get a copy of my water quality report for 16503?+
Your water utility — Erie City Water Authority — is required by law to send you an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) by July 1 each year. You can also request it directly from the utility or find it online by searching "Erie City Water Authority Consumer Confidence Report." The EPA's ECHO database also has historical compliance data.
What water filter should I use in 16503?+
The right filter depends on what contaminants are present. For lead, look for a filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53. For chlorine byproducts (like THMs), NSF/ANSI 42 filters work well. For a broad range of contaminants including PFAS, look for NSF/ANSI 58 (reverse osmosis) systems. For ZIP code 16503, with detected contaminants including Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), a multi-stage filter or reverse osmosis system is recommended.
Is 16503 tap water safe for babies and infants?+
Infants are especially vulnerable to lead, nitrates, and microbial contaminants in drinking water. Current EPA data for 16503 shows a lead level of 1.1 ppb — below the action level, but as an extra precaution, run your tap for 30 seconds before use and consider a certified lead filter for infant formula. Always consult your pediatrician for guidance specific to your child's health.

Data Sources & Methodology

Water quality data for ZIP code 16503 is compiled from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS), EPA ECHO enforcement database, UCMR5 unregulated contaminant monitoring, and Consumer Confidence Reports filed by Erie City Water Authority. Safety scores are composite metrics derived from violation history, lead levels, enforcement actions, and infrastructure risk indicators. Data reflects a 5-year monitoring window. Last dataset update: 2024. View EPA source data →