Water Quality in Bethlehem, PA

Bethlehem's water quality is good overall. Hardness is low at 62 PPM, and no contaminants exceed health guidelines. Most homes here do not need a water softener.

City of Bethlehem Water · Source: Wild Creek, Pocono Mountain reservoirs · Serves 75,781 residents

62
Hardness (PPM)
50
TDS (PPM)
1.3
Chlorine (mg/L)
4
PFAS (ppt)
6
Lead (ppb)
62 PPM 0 400 Moderately Hard
CONTAMINANT LEVELS Hardness 62 PPM TDS 50 PPM PFAS 4 ppt Lead 6 ppb Chlorine 1.3 mg/L Nitrate 2 mg/L

Hardness Scale: Where Bethlehem Falls

Soft 060120180250400+
Elevated lead

Bethlehem's protected mountain watershed produces soft water. The steel city's water quality far exceeds its industrial heritage.

What Bethlehem's Water Means for Your Home

Bethlehem's water is moderately hard at 62 PPM. At this level, hard water is not a significant concern for most households. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would provide little measurable benefit. If you are considering water treatment in Bethlehem, focus on contaminant filtration rather than softening.

Lead is the primary water quality concern for Bethlehem homes, especially those built before 1986 when lead solder was still legal in plumbing. At 6 ppb, Bethlehem's average lead level is above the health guideline of zero. Lead enters water from service lines and interior plumbing, not from the water source itself. Running cold water for 30 seconds before use reduces exposure, and a certified lead-reduction filter at the kitchen faucet provides ongoing protection.

ContaminantDetectedHealth GuidelineLegal LimitStatus
Hardness (as CaCO₃)62 PPM< 60 PPMNo federal limit✓ OK
Total Dissolved Solids50 PPM< 300 PPM500 PPM✓ OK
PFAS (total)4 ppt4 ppt (EPA)4 ppt (2024)✓ OK
Lead6 ppb0 ppb (no safe level)15 ppb (action level)⚠ Elevated
Chlorine / Chloramine1.3 mg/LTaste threshold ~1.04.0 mg/L✓ Normal
Nitrate2 mg/L5 mg/L10 mg/L✓ OK

Recommendations for Bethlehem Homes

🔄 Salt-Free Conditioner (Optional)
At 62 PPM, Bethlehem's water is moderately hard. Scale buildup is slow but noticeable over years, especially in tankless water heaters. A salt-free conditioner is a low-maintenance option if you want to extend appliance life.
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⚠️ Lead-Reduction Filter
Lead detected at 6 ppb. There is no safe level of lead in drinking water, and children are especially vulnerable. Lead typically enters water from old plumbing, not the source water. A point-of-use filter certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 53 for lead is the most practical solution. If your home was built before 1986, testing is strongly recommended.
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About Bethlehem's Water Supply

Water Utility: City of Bethlehem Water

Water Source: Wild Creek, Pocono Mountain reservoirs

Population Served: 75,781

Hardness: 62 PPM (3.6 grains per gallon)

Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. The values above represent typical averages reported by City of Bethlehem Water. To get exact numbers for your address, request a copy of the most recent Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your utility, or have your water independently tested.

Compare Bethlehem to Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia

100 PPM · Moderately Hard

Pittsburgh

140 PPM · Hard

Allentown

57 PPM · Slightly Hard

Erie

130 PPM · Hard

Reading

26 PPM · Slightly Hard

Scranton

40 PPM · Slightly Hard

Frequently Asked Questions About Bethlehem Water

Is Bethlehem tap water safe to drink?
Bethlehem's water meets EPA legal standards for drinking water safety. However, legal limits and health-optimal levels are different things. Lead levels are elevated. This is especially concerning in older buildings with lead service lines or lead solder. Review the contaminant table above for specific numbers and how they compare to both legal limits and health guidelines.
Do I need a water softener in Bethlehem?
At 62 PPM, Bethlehem's water is moderately hard. Some homeowners at this level do not notice problems, while others see spotting on glassware, film on shower doors, or reduced soap lathering. Homes with tankless water heaters at this hardness level should strongly consider at least a salt-free conditioner, as scale buildup inside the heat exchanger can void the warranty. For other homes, it depends on your sensitivity and fixtures.
What water filter is best for Bethlehem?
The best filter depends on which contaminants you want to address. For chlorine taste and odor, an activated carbon filter is effective and affordable, available as under-sink, countertop, or whole-house systems. For lead, look for NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification specifically for lead reduction. Point-of-use filters at the kitchen faucet are the most practical approach. See our softener vs. filter guide to understand the difference between these categories.
Where does Bethlehem's water come from?
Bethlehem's drinking water is sourced from Wild Creek, Pocono Mountain reservoirs and treated by City of Bethlehem Water. Bethlehem's protected mountain watershed produces soft water. The steel city's water quality far exceeds its industrial heritage.
What is the hardness of Bethlehem water in grains per gallon?
Bethlehem's water hardness is 3.6 grains per gallon (GPG), which equals 62 parts per million (PPM). This is classified as moderately hard. To convert: 1 GPG = 17.1 PPM.
Does Bethlehem water damage tankless water heaters?
At 3.6 GPG, Bethlehem's water is unlikely to cause significant issues for tankless water heaters. However, if you notice reduced flow or efficiency over time, scale buildup could be a factor. Annual flushing with vinegar is good maintenance regardless of hardness.
Is Bethlehem water safe for babies and infants?
Lead is the primary concern for infants and young children. Bethlehem's lead level of 6 ppb is elevated. Run the cold water tap for 30 seconds before using it for formula or cooking, and consider a certified lead-reduction filter for the kitchen faucet.

Data sources. Water quality data compiled from EPA SDWIS, EWG Tap Water Database, USGS water hardness studies, and the City of Bethlehem Water Consumer Confidence Report. Hardness and contaminant levels represent typical average values and may vary by neighborhood and season. Last updated: 2026-02-12.