Drinking and Residential Water

A safe supply of drinking and residential water is vital to human health. Penn State Extension provides a wide array of resources to help you test and treat drinking water, construct and manage private wells, and improve water quality. Advice is also available on conserving water and lowering your water bill.

Safe Drinking Water In Pennsylvania

In the United States, drinking water comes from either a groundwater or surface water supply. As both these sources are natural, water is often exposed to pollutants such as bacteria and nitrates. This is why the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established research-based Safe Drinking Water Standards for community water supplies. These standards outline the amount of each pollutant that is safe in drinking water.

Bottled water is separately regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA regulations set guidelines on bottled water quality, as well as product labeling and manufacturing practices.

In Pennsylvania, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has further set drinking water quality standards, permit requirements, construction standards, and public notification requirements. The PA Bureau of Safe Drinking Water is responsible for implementing both the state and federal regulations.

Have questions about water safety? Join the Q and A Water Webinar to learn more about drinking water from Penn State Extension experts.

Drinking Water Quality, Testing, and Treatment

While drinking water quality generally varies depending on the conditions of the source and the treatment it receives, it must still meet EPA’s water quality regulations. Private wells and water systems, however, are not covered by EPA’s guidelines. Private well owners are responsible for testing the water, interpreting the results, and, if needed, adjusting the system.

Learn more about residential water testing in the Testing and Treatment section. Penn State Extension provides further resources on treatment processes for household drinking water, nitrates in private water supplies, and management of common water quality problems.

Drinking and Residential Water Conservation

Water conservation plays an important role in protecting the environment, providing safe drinking water, and saving money. Using less water further reduces the pressure on the water delivery and wastewater treatment systems.

Reducing water pollution is another crucial factor. Pollutants such as salt, chemicals, and manure can make water difficult to treat and use. Learn what your community can do to conserve water and decrease drinking water pollution in the Water Conservation guide.

Access more resources in the Supply and Conservation section. Tips can be found on saving water indoors, as well as conserving water outside the home.

Private Wells and Water Systems

Many people in the US receive their water from private water systems, such as wells and cisterns. With private water wells, water enters the home through pipes connected to an underground water source located on the property.

While the Pennsylvania DEP does not regulate privately-owned water supplies, they do provide information for homeowners on subjects such as well contaminants, maximum contaminant levels, and water treatment devices.

Additional recommendations for managing private residential and drinking water systems can be obtained through Penn State Extension. Resources on household spring water issues, adequate maintenance of private wells and cisterns, as well as proper well construction are available.