Is Scranton, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Scranton tap water is legally compliant, but one contaminant exceeds health guidelines. Specifically: PFAS above EPA limits (PFOA: 4.75 ppt, PFOS: 7.3 ppt — limit is 4 ppt each). A point-of-use filter is recommended for drinking and cooking water.
Hardness Scale: Where Scranton Falls
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
How Scranton Compares
Scranton's water is 71% softer than the national average of 138 PPM - ranking in the bottom 75% for hardness nationwide. Most homes here do not need a softener. Within Pennsylvania, it ranks #30 of 31 cities (59% below the state average of 97 PPM). Among mid-size cities (100k-200k), Scranton ranks #148 of 189 for hardness.
What Scranton's Water Means for Your Home
Hardness: 40 PPM - Low Concern
Scranton's water is slightly hard at 40 PPM. Most households won't notice any issues at this level. Scale buildup is minimal, and a water softener would be overkill. If you're thinking about water treatment, contaminant filtration is where to focus your money, not softening.
Contaminants & Safety
Forever chemicals (PFAS) are worth watching here. Scranton has PFOA at 4.75 ppt and PFOS at 7.3 ppt, exceeding the EPA's 2024 limit of 4 ppt per compound. PFAS are synthetic compounds that accumulate in your body over time. A certified carbon filter or reverse osmosis system with NSF P473 certification is the most effective protection. See the regulatory timeline.
What's in the Treatment Process
Scranton's surface water supply requires heavy chlorination to stay safe — but that creates a tradeoff. The treatment process generates disinfection byproducts: TTHMs at 44.6 ppb (56% of the legal limit, but 298x the EWG guideline) and HAA5 at 37.1 ppb (62% of the legal limit, but 371x the EWG guideline). These are within legal limits, but the EWG sets much tighter thresholds based on cancer-risk research. A whole-house activated carbon filter reduces both chlorine and byproducts.
Chromium-6 was detected at 0.0557 ppb, which is 2.8x the EWG health guideline. There's no separate federal limit for chromium-6, only total chromium. A reverse osmosis system is the most effective removal method. All measurements are within federal legal limits. The EWG guidelines represent a more conservative, health-based standard.
| Contaminant | Detected | Health Guideline | Legal Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (as CaCO₃) | 40 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 38 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 22.98 ppt | — | No total limit | Detected |
| ↳ PFOA | 4.75 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ⚠ Exceeds |
| ↳ PFOS | 7.3 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ⚠ Exceeds |
| Lead | 2 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (10 ppb in 2027) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 1.2 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | 1.21 mg/L | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | ✓ OK |
Recommended Filter for Scranton
PFAS exceed EPA limits (PFOA: 4.75 ppt, PFOS: 7.3 ppt — limit: 4 ppt each). A certified filter reduces these contaminants effectively.
Quick Fix for Chlorine: Shower Filter
At 1.2 mg/L chlorine, many Scranton residents notice dry skin, brittle hair, and that "pool smell" in the shower. A shower filter installs in 5 minutes, no tools needed.
How to Test Your Water in Scranton
With PFAS at 22.98 ppt in Scranton's supply, confirming your home's specific levels is especially important. PFAS vary by neighborhood and can concentrate differently depending on your position in the distribution system.
Free option: Request PA American Water's annual Consumer Confidence Report for official city-level data.
📊 Already Tested Your Water?
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About Scranton's Water Supply
Water Utility: PA American Water
Water Source: Lake Scranton, Elmhurst Reservoir (Surface Water)
Population Served: 134,570
Hardness: 40 PPM (2.3 grains per gallon)
Scranton's drinking water comes from surface sources — Lake Scranton, Elmhurst Reservoir. Surface water requires more extensive treatment than groundwater, including coagulation, filtration, and disinfection. This heavier chlorination is why disinfection byproducts tend to be higher in surface-supplied systems. On the upside, surface sources often deliver softer water than deep aquifers. The system serves 135,000 residents.
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. For your exact numbers, request PA American Water's Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) or test your own tap.
ZIP Codes Covered by This Report
This water quality data applies to all areas served by PA American Water in Scranton, PA, including ZIP codes:
12760, 18403, 18405, 18407, 18410, 18411, 18413, 18414, 18415, 18416, 18417, 18419, 18420, 18421, 18424, 18426, 18427, 18428, 18430, 18431, 18433, 18434, 18436, 18438, 18439, 18440, 18441, 18443, 18444, 18445, 18446, 18447, 18448, 18449, 18451, 18452, 18453, 18454, 18456, 18459, 18460, 18463, 18464, 18469, 18470, 18471, 18472, 18473, 18501, 18502, 18503, 18504, 18505, 18507, 18508, 18509, 18510, 18512, 18515, 18517, 18518, 18519, 18540, 18577, 18615, 18623, 18625, 18630, 18641, 18642, 18653, 18657, 18813, 18816, 18823, 18824, 18826, 18842, 18844
If your ZIP code is listed above, this report covers your water supply. Water quality may vary slightly by neighborhood.
Compare Scranton to Other Pennsylvania Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Scranton Water
Is Scranton tap water safe to drink?
Where does Scranton's water come from?
Do I need a water softener in Scranton?
How do I remove PFAS from Scranton tap water?
What water filter is best for Scranton?
Is Scranton water safe for babies and infants?
What are disinfection byproducts in Scranton's water?
Is chromium-6 in Scranton's water?
Data sources: Lead and copper data from EPA Safe Drinking Water Act LCR reporting. Contaminant data from utility-reported testing results. PFAS data from EPA UCMR5 (2023–2025). Hardness from USGS and municipal reports. Data reflects system-level testing results and may not match your specific tap due to neighborhood plumbing, season, or recent utility changes. For your utility's latest results, request their Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). Our methodology. Last updated: 2026-02-24.
What Scranton Homeowners Actually Buy
Prioritized for contaminant reduction for homes with 40 PPM water and PFAS above EPA limits.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission. Selection based on Scranton's water data.