Based on EPA UCMR5 monitoring data, EPA SDWIS federal violations records, and EWG Tap Water Database published findings.
This system's primary documented concern is disinfection byproducts (DBPs) — compounds formed when chlorine or chloramine treatment reacts with natural organic matter in source water. Per EWG published data, DBP levels in this system exceed EWG health guidelines (which are stricter than federal legal limits). Activated carbon or RO filtration reduces DBPs significantly.
Water source: Surface water (West Branch Brandywine)
Water utility: Pennsylvania American Water
Detected at approximately 4.2 ppt per EPA monitoring data — above the EPA's 4 ppt maximum contaminant level (effective 2026). Reverse osmosis or AquaTru filtration removes 99%+ of PFAS compounds.
The EPA's new maximum contaminant level (MCL) for PFAS is 4 ppt, effective 2026. PFAS compounds have been linked to cancer, thyroid disease, immune disruption, and developmental issues at chronic exposure levels per peer-reviewed research.
The following contaminants have been detected or are associated with elevated risk in this water system, per available EPA and EWG published data:
These detections are drawn from EPA SDWIS federal violations database and EWG Tap Water Database records. EWG health guidelines are stricter than EPA legal limits and reflect long-term exposure risk.
No health-based EPA violations recorded in the past 5 years at this utility. Note: EPA violations reflect legal compliance thresholds, which are less protective than the EWG health guidelines used in HAVEN's scoring model.
Reverse osmosis filtration is recommended — AquaTru Carafe ($149) or APEC ROES-50 under-sink RO ($250). RO removes 99%+ PFAS, lead, nitrates, arsenic, chromium, and disinfection byproducts in a single system.
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