ZIP Code 17508 Water Quality & Testing Report
Brownstown, PA · Lancaster County County · Updated for 2026
Is Tap Water Safe to Drink in ZIP 17508 (Brownstown, PA)?
Caution / Filtration Recommended: Tap water in ZIP code 17508 (Brownstown, PA) has compliance concerns, earning an EPA Safety Grade of C (65/100) due to 2 health violation(s) and 4.8 ppb lead. While treated by West Earl Water Authority, residents are advised to use an NSF/ANSI 53 certified water filter for drinking and cooking.
Water Safety Grade
Fair — Some compliance concerns
Health Violations
2
Total Violations
5
Lead Risk
High
Contaminants
2
Active Water Quality Issues Detected
EPA records show 2 unresolved violations. Contact West Earl Water Authority for current status.
About Tap Water in ZIP Code 17508
Tap water in ZIP code 17508 (Brownstown, PA) is distributed by West Earl Water Authority (EPA ID: PA7360143), serving approximately 4,327 residents. Based on EPA Safe Drinking Water Act compliance records, this system receives a water safety grade of C with a composite quality score of 65/100.
Water System
West Earl Water Authority
EPA ID: PA7360143
Water Source
Surface Water
Population Served
4,327 residents
County
Lancaster County County, Pennsylvania
Lead Levels in ZIP 17508
EPA action level: 15 ppb | Public health goal: 0 ppb
Lead Level: 4.8 ppb — Very Low
Lead exposure risk in 17508 is rated High. EPA models estimate a 61% exposure probability based on housing and infrastructure age.
EPA model estimate based on housing age and infrastructure
Water Hardness & Mineral Content
Grains per gallon (GPG) & Parts per million (PPM / mg/L)
Water in ZIP 17508 is classified as Soft (51 mg/L / 3 GPG). Soft water produces abundant soap lather, prevents scale buildup in water heaters, and does not leave spots on dishes.
Grains per gallon
Parts per million CaCO3
Official EPA SDWIS Database Entry
Utility: West Earl Water Authority · PWSID: PA7360143
Violation History
Past 5 years — EPA SDWIS data
West Earl Water Authority has recorded 2 health-based violations out of 5 total violations over the past 5 years. 2 violations remain unresolved in EPA tracking records.
Regulatory compliance risk for this utility is rated Critical based on past reporting and enforcement records.
Contaminants Detected
Contaminants with health-based violations on record
EPA records identify 2 contaminants with health-based violations in the past 5 years: Contaminant 0700, Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM).
⚖ Enforcement Actions
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.
Highest potential
Estimated annual flood-related costs per property
% of household income spent on energy — indicator of older infrastructure
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.
Water Quality Testing in ZIP 17508
Tap Water & Well Testing Recommendations
Residents in ZIP code 17508 served by West Earl Water Authority can test tap water or private well systems to verify water purity. Testing detects hidden contaminants before they impact family health.
Tap Water Testing Steps
- 1.Conduct a certified lead check if your home was constructed before 1986.
- 2.Use certified lab testing kits rather than uncalibrated test strips for regulated compliance.
- 3.Sample water from both your kitchen faucet and water heater to compare line purity.
Private Well Testing Steps
- •Test for Coliform bacteria and Nitrates annually.
- •Test for heavy metals, radon, and PFAS every 3 years.
- •Send samples to a state-certified drinking water laboratory recognized by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
🛡 What Should You Do? — ZIP 17508 Recommendations
Some compliance concerns — take precautions
- ⚠ 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
Recommended Water Treatment Systems:
NSF 53 Lead Pitcher Filter
Specifically certified to reduce lead and copper at the tap.
NSF 58 Under-Sink RO System
Advanced filtration for PFAS, fluoride, nitrates, and organic chemicals.
Frequently Asked Questions — ZIP 17508 Water Quality
Is tap water safe to drink in ZIP code 17508?+
How do I get my water tested in ZIP 17508 (Brownstown, PA)?+
How hard is the tap water in 17508?+
Should I test private well water in 17508?+
What is the lead level in 17508 tap water?+
Is there an active boil water notice in 17508?+
Who provides tap water to 17508?+
What water filter should I use in 17508?+
Data Sources & Methodology
Water quality data for ZIP code 17508 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 West Earl 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 →