Table of Contents
Can You Drink Tap Water in Reading?
Yes, Reading's tap water is generally considered safe to drink as Reading has no active health based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) that we are aware of. Other factors such as lead piping in a home, or low levels of pollutants on immunocompromised individuals, should also be considered, however. To find more recent info we might have, you can check out our boil water notice page, the city's water provider website, or Reading's local Twitter account.
According the EPA’s ECHO database, from April 30, 2019 to June 30, 2022, Reading's water utility, Reading Area Water Authority, had 2 non-health-based violations of the Safe Drinking Water Act. For more details on the violations, please see our violation history section below. The last violation for Reading was resolved on March 31, 2022. This assessment is based on the Reading Area Water Authority water system, other water systems in the city may have different results.
While tap water that meets the EPA health guidelines generally won’t make you sick to your stomach, it can still contain regulated and unregulated contaminants present in trace amounts that could potentially cause health issues over the long-run. These trace contaminants may also impact immunocompromised and vulnerable individuals.
The EPA is reviewing if it’s current regulations around pollutant levels in tap water are strict enough, and the health dangers posed by unregulated pollutants, like PFAS.
Water Quality Report for Reading Tap Water
The most recent publicly available numbers for measured contaminant levels in Reading tap water are in its 2020 Water Quality Report. As you can see, there are levels which the EPA considers to be acceptable, but being below the maximum allowable level doesn’t necessarily mean the water is healthy.
Lead in tap water, for example, is currently allowed at up to 15ppb by the EPA, but it has set the ideal goal for lead at zero. This highlights how meeting EPA standards doesn’t necessarily mean local tap water is healthy.
EPA regulations continue to change as it evaluates the long term impacts of chemicals and updates drinking water acceptable levels. The rules around arsenic, as well as, lead and copper are currently being re-evaluated.
There are also a number of "emerging" contaminants that are not currently. For example, PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), for which the EPA has issued a health advisory. PFAS are called "forever chemicals" since they tend not to break down in the environment or the human body and can accumulate over time.
We recommend looking at the contaminants present in Reading's water quality reports, or getting your home's tap water tested to see if you should be filtering your water.
Reading Tap Water Safe Drinking Water Act Violation History - Prior 10 Years
Below is a ten year history of violations for the water system named Reading Area Water Authority for Reading in Pennsylvania. For more details please see the "What do these Violations Mean?" section below.
From Jan. 1, 2022 to March 31, 2022, Reading had 2 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violations with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) which falls into the Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code group, and the Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule rule code family for the following contaminant codes: Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5), TTHM.
From Oct. 1, 2018 to Oct. 31, 2018, Reading had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, E. coli (RTCR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Total Coliform Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
From Sept. 1, 2018 to Sept. 30, 2018, Reading had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, E. coli (RTCR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Total Coliform Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
From Jan. 1, 2018 to Jan. 31, 2018, Reading had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring of Treatment (SWTR-Filter) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Surface Water Treatment Rule.
From Jan. 1, 2018 to Dec. 31, 2018, Reading had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Regular which falls into the Chemicals rule code group, and the Inorganic Chemicals rule code family for the following contaminant code: Thallium, Total.
From Aug. 1, 2016 to Aug. 31, 2016, Reading had 1 health-based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, more specifically, the violation code was Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, E. coli (RTCR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Total Coliform Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Revised Total Coliform Rule.
From Sept. 1, 2013 to Sept. 30, 2013, Reading had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Turbidity (Enhanced SWTR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
From July 1, 2013 to July 31, 2013, Reading had 1 non-health based Safe Drinking Water Act violation with the violation category being Monitoring and Reporting, more specifically, the violation code was Monitoring, Turbidity (Enhanced SWTR) which falls into the Microbials rule code group, and the Surface Water Treatment Rules rule code family for the following contaminant code: Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.
Is there Lead in Reading Water?
Based on the EPA’s ECHO Database, 90% of the samples taken from the Reading water system, Reading Area Water Authority, between sample start date and sample end date, were at or below, 0.001 mg/L of lead in Reading water. This is 6.7% of the 0.015 mg/L action level. This means 10% of the samples taken from Reading contained more lead.
While Reading water testing may have found 0.001 mg/L of lead in its water, that does not mean your water source has the same amount. The amount of lead in water in a city can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood, or even building to building. Many buildings, particularly older ones, have lead pipes or service lines which can be a source of contamination. To find out if your home has lead, we recommend getting you water tested.
No amount of lead in water is healthy, only less dangerous. As lead accumulates in our bodies over time, even exposure to relatively small amounts can have negative health effects. For more information, please check out our Lead FAQ page.
Are there PFAS in Reading Tap Water?
Currently, testing tap water for PFAS isn’t mandated on a national level. We do have a list of military bases where there have been suspected or confirmed leaks. There appears to be at least one military base - North Penn - near Reading with suspected leaks.
With many potential sources of PFAS in tap water across the US, the best information we currently have about which cities have PFAS in their water is this ewg map, which you can check to see if Reading has been evaluated for yet.
Our stance is better safe than sorry, and that it makes sense to try to purify the tap water just in case.
Reading SDWA Violation History Table - Prior 10 Years
| Compliance Period | Status | Health-Based? | Category Code | Code | Rule Code | Contaminant Code | Rule Group Code | Rule Family Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2022 - 03/31/2022 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) | Total Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) (2456) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) |
| 01/01/2022 - 03/31/2022 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring and Reporting (DBP) (27) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) | TTHM (2950) | Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (200) | Stage 2 Disinfectants and Disinfection Byproducts Rule (220) |
| 10/01/2018 - 10/31/2018 | Resolved | Yes | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation (MCL) | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, E. coli (RTCR) (1A) | Revised Total Coliform Rule (111) | Revised Total Coliform Rule (8000) | Microbials (100) | Total Coliform Rules (110) |
| 09/01/2018 - 09/30/2018 | Resolved | Yes | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation (MCL) | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, E. coli (RTCR) (1A) | Revised Total Coliform Rule (111) | Revised Total Coliform Rule (8000) | Microbials (100) | Total Coliform Rules (110) |
| 01/01/2018 - 01/31/2018 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring of Treatment (SWTR-Filter) (36) | Surface Water Treatment Rule (121) | Surface Water Treatment Rule (0200) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
| 01/01/2018 - 12/31/2018 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring, Regular (03) | Inorganic Chemicals (333) | Thallium, Total (1085) | Chemicals (300) | Inorganic Chemicals (330) |
| 08/01/2016 - 08/31/2016 | Resolved | Yes | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation (MCL) | Maximum Contaminant Level Violation, E. coli (RTCR) (1A) | Revised Total Coliform Rule (111) | Revised Total Coliform Rule (8000) | Microbials (100) | Total Coliform Rules (110) |
| 09/01/2013 - 09/30/2013 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring, Turbidity (Enhanced SWTR) (38) | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (122) | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0300) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
| 07/01/2013 - 07/31/2013 | Resolved | No | Monitoring and Reporting (MR) | Monitoring, Turbidity (Enhanced SWTR) (38) | Long Term 1 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (122) | Interim Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule (0300) | Microbials (100) | Surface Water Treatment Rules (120) |
What do these Violations Mean?
Safe Drinking Water Act Violations categories split into two groups, health based, and non-health based. Generally, health based violations are more serious, though non-health based violations can also be cause for concern.
Health Based Violations
- Maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) - maximum allowed contaminant level was exceeded.
- Maximum residual disinfectant levels (MRDLs) - maximum allowed disinfectant level was exceeded.
- Other violations (Other) - the exact required process to reduce the amounts of contaminants in drinking water was not followed.
Non-Health Based Violations
- Monitoring and reporting violations (MR, MON) - failure to conduct the required regular monitoring of drinking water quality, and/or to submit monitoring results on time.
- Public notice violations (Other) - failure to immediately alert consumers if there is a serious problem with their drinking water that may pose a risk to public health.
- Other violations (Other) - miscellaneous violations, such as failure to issue annual consumer confidence reports or maintain required records.
SDWA Table Key
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Compliance Period | Dates of the compliance period. |
| Status |
Current status of the violation.
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| Health-Based? | Whether the violation is health based. |
| Category Code |
The category of violation that is reported.
|
| Code | A full description of violation codes can be accessed in the SDWA_REF_CODE_VALUES (CSV) table. |
| Contaminant Code | A code value that represents a contaminant for which a public water system has incurred a violation of a primary drinking water regulation. |
| Rule Code |
Code for a National Drinking Water rule.
|
| Rule Group Code |
Code that uniquely identifies a rule group.
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| Rule Family Code |
Code for rule family.
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For more clarification please visit the EPA's data dictionary.
Reading Water - Frequently Asked Questions
| By Mail: | 1801 KUTZTOWN RD READING, PA, 19604 |
Existing customers can login to their Reading Area Water Authority account to pay their Reading water bill by clicking here.
If you want to pay your Reading Area Water Authority bill online and haven't made an account yet, you can create an account online. Please click here to create your account to pay your Reading water bill.
If you don't want to make an account, or can't remember your account, you can make a one-time payment towards your Reading water bill without creating an account using a one time payment portal with your account number and credit or debit card. Click here to make a one time payment.
Moving to a new house or apartment in Reading means you will often need to put the water in your name with Reading Area Water Authority. In order to put the water in your name, please click the link to the start service form below. Start service requests for water bills typically take two business days.
Leaving your house or apartment in Reading means you will likely need to take your name off of the water bill with Reading Area Water Authority. In order to take your name off the water bill, please click the link to the stop service form below. Stop service for water bills requests typically take two business days.
The estimated price of bottled water
$1.29 in USD (1.5-liter)
USER SUBMITTED RATINGS
- Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility
- Water Pollution
- Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility
- Water Quality
The above data is comprised of subjective, user submitted opinions about the water quality and pollution in Reading, measured on a scale from 0% (lowest) to 100% (highest).
Related FAQS
Reading Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report)
The EPA mandates that towns and cities consistently monitor and test their tap water. They must report their findings in an annual Consumer Confidence Report. Below is the most recent water quality report from Reading's Water. If you would like to see the original version of the report, please click here.
Our Drinking Water Is Regulated
This report is a summary of the quality of the water we provide our customers. The analysis was made by using the data from the most recent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required tests and is presented in the attached pages. We hope this information helps you become more knowledgeable about what’s in your drinking water.
Public Participation Opportunities
This report shows our water quality and what it means. If you have any questions about this report or concerning your water utility, please contact Gary Phillips at
We want you to be informed about your water supply. If you want to learn more, please attend any of our regularly scheduled meetings.
Date: |
Third Tuesday of each month |
Time: |
4 p.m. |
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Phone: |
(610) |
Location: |
RAWA main office |
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1801 Kutztown Rd. |
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Reading, PA 19604 |
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En Español
Este informe contiene información importante acerca de su agua potable. Haga que alguien lo traduzca para usted, ó hable con alguien que lo entienda.
Reading Area Water Authority 1801 Kutztown Road Reading, PA 19604
Reading Area
WATER AUTHORITY
PWS ID# 3060059
2020
Annual Drinking
Water Quality
Report
2020 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report
PWS ID# 3060059
Source of Drinking Water
The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves
Contaminants that may be present in source water include:
- Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife.
-
Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be
naturally-occurring or result from urban stormwaterrun-off, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. - Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban stormwater runoff, and residential uses.
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Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are
by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban stormwater runoff, and septic systems. - Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally- occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities.
Where Do We Get Our Drinking Water?
The water supply for the Reading Area Water Authority (RAWA) service area is obtained from Lake Ontelaunee, located six miles north of the City of Reading. Lake Ontelaunee is a
Surface water enters the lake primarily from Maiden Creek, and its main tributary Sacony Creek, with inputs from numerous other streams, including several small tributaries that flow directly into the lake.
The dam, which is located on Route 73, was constructed in 1926 and raised to its present height in 1935. The dam height
creates an impoundment capacity of 3.88 billion gallons in Lake Ontelaunee. Water from the lake is then delivered to the Maiden Creek Filter Plant by gravity. The Reading Area Water Authority also has the capability of drawing water directly from Maiden Creek. The intake is located at the Filter Plant.
All Drinking Water May Contain Contaminants
In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA and DEP prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA and DEP regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health.
Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline
Required Additional Health
Information for Lead
If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant women and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. Reading Area Water Authority is responsible for providing high quality drinking water but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline
People Who May Be More
Vulnerable to Contaminants
Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immuno- compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone
organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline
Source Water Protection
The Reading Area Water Authority is a leader in protecting their drinking water sources. Reading’s original watershed assessment was conducted in 1998, which found that potential contaminants to the Lake included bacterial contamination, sediment, and algae growth. This study prompted RAWA to develop and implement a comprehensive Source Water Protection Plan, which was approved by the PA Department of Environmental Protection in 2007. Since then, RAWA has been very active in source water protection within Berks County, and received the national Exemplary Source Water Protection award from the American Water Works Association in 2013. In 2016, RAWA revised their potential contaminants inventory and
Although the Reading Area Water Authority is concerned with protecting its sources of water, current treatment processes are capable of transforming raw water from the lake, into finished water that meets all federal and state drinking water standards.
The water is treated at the filter plant by a conventional treatment method. The process consists of flocculation, sedimentation, filtration and disinfection, along with sequenced chemical additions to optimize treatment of the water.
2020 Test Results
PWS ID# 3060059
We routinely monitor for contaminants in your drinking water according to federal and state laws. The following tables show the results of our monitoring for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2020. The State allows us to monitor for some contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants do not change frequently. Some of our data is from prior years in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. The date has been noted on the sampling results table.
Chemical Contaminants |
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Chemical |
MCL in |
MCLG |
Highest Level |
Range of |
Sample Date |
Violation |
Likely Source of Contamination |
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(Units) |
CCR Units |
Detected |
Detections |
Y/N |
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*Chloramine (ppm) |
MRDL=4 |
MRDLG=4 |
3.09 |
Dec 2020 |
N |
Water additive used to control microbes |
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Fluoride (ppm) |
2^^ |
4 |
0.85 |
Nov 2020 |
N |
Water additive which promotes strong teeth |
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Nitrate (ppm) |
10 |
10 |
4.07 |
Jan 2020 |
N |
Runoff from fertilizer use |
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Haloacetic acids Five (HAA5) (ppb) |
60 |
N/A |
21.5 # |
Jan 2020 |
N |
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Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) |
80 |
N/A |
40.5 # |
Oct 2020 |
N |
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Distribution (ppb) |
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Combined radium |
5 |
0 |
0.56 |
N/A |
Aug 2019 |
N |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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Gross Alpha (pCi/L) |
15 |
0 |
6.4 |
N/A |
Jul 2020 |
N |
Erosion of natural deposits |
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*Based on the monthly average of all distribution sites tested. |
^^ EPA’s MCL for fluoride is 4 ppm. However, Pennsylvania has set a lower MCL to better protect human health. |
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# Compliance for TTHM and HAA5s is based upon the running annual average. The range of detections is from the quarterly averages of the CCR year. |
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Entry Point Disinfectant Residual
Contaminant |
Minimum |
Lowest Level |
Range of |
Sample Date |
Violation |
Likely Source of Contamination |
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(Units) |
Disinfectant Residual |
Detected |
Detections |
Y/N |
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Chloramine (ppm) |
0.20 |
2.11 |
Oct 2020 |
N |
Water additive used to control microbes |
Lead and Copper
Contaminant |
Action |
MCLG |
90th |
# of Sites |
Violation |
Date |
Likely Source of Contamination |
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(Units) |
Level (AL) |
Percentile |
Above AL |
Y/N |
Sampled |
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Lead (ppb) |
15 |
0 |
1 |
0 out of 30 |
N |
2019 |
Corrosion of household plumbing systems |
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Copper (ppm) |
1.3 |
1.3 |
0.199 |
0 out of 30 |
N |
2019 |
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In June 2019, to comply with the Lead and Copper Rule, Reading Area Water Authority conducted one study of 30 samples. 0 samples out of 30 samples were found to be above the required Action Levels established for lead and copper.
Lead & Copper Monitoring
Lead is not present in City drinking water when it leaves our water treatment plant and underground pipes. Water can leach lead from brass or
Microbial (related to Assessments/Corrective Actions regarding TC/EC positive results)
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Number of Level 2 |
Number of Level 2 |
Violation |
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Contaminant |
TT |
Assessments triggered by |
Assessments triggered by |
Likely Source of Contamination |
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Y/N |
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an E. coli MCL |
Multiple Level 1 Assessments |
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Total Coliform Bacteria |
Any system that has failed to complete all the required |
N/A |
None required |
N |
Naturally present in the environment. |
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assessments or correct all identified sanitary defects, is in |
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violation of the treatment technique requirement |
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Reading Area Water Authority is required, based on population served, to do 90 bacteriological samples per month. We had no total coliform bacteria detections in 2020.
Turbidity
Contaminant |
MCL |
MCLG |
Highest Level |
Date |
Violation |
Likely Source of Contamination |
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(Units) |
Detected |
Sampled |
Y/N |
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Turbidity (NTU) |
TT=1 NTU for a single measurement |
0 |
0.193 NTU |
Jul 2020 |
N |
Soil runoff |
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TT=at least 95% of monthly samples ≤ 0.3 NTU |
100.0 |
N/A |
N |
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Total Organic Carbon
Substance(Units) |
Range of % Removal |
Range of percent removal achieved |
Numbers of quarters out of |
Violation |
Likely Source of Contamination |
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Required |
compliance |
Y/N |
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Drinking Water (ppm) |
0 |
N |
Naturally present in the environment |
Total organic carbon (TOC) has no health effects. However, TOC provides a medium for the formation of disinfection byproducts. These byproducts include THMs and HAAs. Drinking water containing these byproducts in excess of the MCL may lead to adverse health effects, liver or kidney problems, or nervous system effects, and may lead to an increased risk of getting cancer.
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Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Regulation - Cycle 4 (UCMR 4) |
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EP101/Pumping Station |
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Manganese |
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8 Distribution locations |
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HAA5 |
HAA6Br |
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HAA9 |
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(ranges provided) |
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December 2018 |
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<0.4 |
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December 2018 |
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17.1 - 20.1 |
3.2 – 3.8 |
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20.3 – 23.7 |
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March 2019 |
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0.449 |
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March 2019 |
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26.8 – 39.3 |
5.2 - 8.1 |
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30.4 - 43.8 |
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June 2019 |
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1.05 |
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June 2019 |
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43.7 - 94.9 |
4.0 - 5.0 |
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47.3 - 98.4 |
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September 2019 |
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3.37 |
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September 2019 |
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6.9 – 15.1 |
2.0 – 3.3 |
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8.5 - 17.3 |
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Naturally occurring element; commercially available in combination |
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Haloacetic acids (HAA5, HAA6Br, HAA9) are a group of disinfectant byproducts that are formed when disinfectants, such as chlorine or chloramine, are used to treat water |
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and react with naturally occurring organic and inorganic matter present in source waters. Data from research studies indicate that several HAAs, e.g., dichloroacetic acid and |
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with other elements and minerals; used in steel production, fertilizer, |
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trichloroacetic acid, may be carcinogenic in laboratory animals. Exposure to other HAAs has also been associated with reproductive and developmental effects in laboratory |
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batteries & fireworks; drinking water & wastewater chemical |
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animals. The current Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) set for HAA5 is because of concern that exposure to HAAs over many years may increase the risk of cancer. |
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The purpose of UCMR4 is to “collect occurrence data for contaminants suspected to be present in drinking water, but that do not have |
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*All figures listed in Parts per Billion (ppb). |
*All testing performed quarterly starting in December 2018. |
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Definitions In the table you might find terms and abbreviations you are not familiar with. To help you better understand these terms we’ve provided the following definitions: |
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Action Level (AL) - The concentration of a contaminant |
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Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) - The |
Treatment Technique (TT) - A required process intended |
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which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other |
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level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known |
to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water. |
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requirements which a water system must follow. |
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or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits |
ND |
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Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - The highest |
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of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants. |
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detection limit for the chemical. |
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level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking |
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Minimum Residual Disinfectant Level (MinRDL) |
Mrem/year - millirems per year (a measure |
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water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible |
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- The minimum level of residual disinfectant required |
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of radiation absorbed by the body) |
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using the best available treatment technology. |
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at the entry point to the distribution system. |
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pCi/L - Pico curies per liter (a measure of radioactivity) |
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Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) - The level of a |
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Level 1 Assessment – A Level 1 assessment is a study of the water |
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contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or |
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system to identify potential problems and determine (if possible) |
ppb - parts per billion, or micrograms per liter (μg/L). |
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expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety. |
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why total coliform bacteria have been found in our water system. |
ppm - parts per million, or milligrams per liter (mg/L). |
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Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) - The |
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Level 2 Assessment – A Level 2 assessment is a very detailed |
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highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. |
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study of the water system to identify potential problems |
ppq - parts per quadrillion, or picograms per liter |
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There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant |
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and determine (if possible) why an E. coli MCL violation |
ppt - parts per trillion, or nanograms per liter |
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is necessary for control of microbial contaminants. |
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has occurred and/or why total coliform bacteria have |
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been found in our water system on multiple occasions. |
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Partnership for Safe Water
Entering the American Water Works Association Partnership for Safe Water Program is a decision we made to ensure that your water is the cleanest it can be. With the Partnership, we work under even stricter guidelines than we are legally required to. Since joining, we have received both the Director’s Award (2015) and the President’s Award (2017) for outstanding clarity of our water. The partnership always keeps us going
above and beyond for our customers.
Berks County Water and Sewer Association
In 2017, the Berks County Water and Sewer Association (BCWSA), with assistance from the Berks County Planning Commission (BCPC), the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, and other partners developed a comprehensive Source Water Protection Program for the entire county. RAWA participated in this initiative, after completing an individual source water protection plan in 2017. The goal is to work collaboratively to protect drinking water sources in Berks County like groundwater wells, springs and surface waters like rivers, creeks and lakes. A Source Water Protection Coordinator will assist all participating water systems sustain the watershed improvement strategies described in the SWP Plan such as public outreach, assistance with protection projects and reporting. The Berks County Water Source Water Protection Program will assist us in keeping our raw water, the single most important ingredient in providing service, protected from pollutants.
Contaminants
Reading Area Water Authority
EWG's drinking water quality report shows results of tests conducted by the water utility and provided to the Environmental Working Group by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, as well as information from the U.S. EPA Enforcement and Compliance History database (ECHO). For the latest quarter assessed by the U.S. EPA (January 2019 - March 2019), tap water provided by this water utility was in compliance with federal health-based drinking water standards.
Utility details
- Serves: 87000
- Data available: 2012-2017
- Data Source: Surface water
- Total: 14
Contaminants That Exceed Guidelines
- Bromodichloromethane
- Chloroform
- Chromium (hexavalent)
- Dibromochloromethane
- Dichloroacetic acid
- Nitrate
- Radium%2C combined (-226 & -228)
- Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs)
- Trichloroacetic acid
Other Detected Contaminants
- Barium
- Fluoride
- Haloacetic acids (HAA5)
- Monochloroacetic acid
- Strontium
Reminder
Always take extra precautions, the water may be safe to drink when it leaves the sewage treatment plant but it may pick up pollutants during its way to your tap. We advise that you ask locals or hotel staff about the water quality. Also, note that different cities have different water mineral contents.