Is Upper Darby, PA Tap Water Safe to Drink?
Upper Darby tap water is legally compliant, but one contaminant exceeds health guidelines. Specifically: PFAS above EPA limits (PFOA: 6.88 ppt, PFOS: 6.04 ppt — limit is 4 ppt each). A point-of-use filter is recommended for drinking and cooking water.
Hardness Scale: Where Upper Darby Falls
0Slightly
60Moderate
120Hard
180Very Hard
250Extreme
400+
How Upper Darby Compares
Upper Darby's water is 60% softer than the national average of 138 PPM - ranking in the bottom 68% for hardness nationwide. Most homes here do not need a softener. Within Pennsylvania, it ranks #25 of 31 cities (43% below the state average of 97 PPM). Among major US cities (500k+), Upper Darby ranks #76 of 100 for hardness.
What Upper Darby's Water Means for Your Home
Hardness: 55 PPM - Low Concern
Upper Darby's water is slightly hard at 55 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. Upper Darby has PFOA at 6.88 ppt and PFOS at 6.04 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
Upper Darby's surface water supply requires heavy chlorination to stay safe — but that creates a tradeoff. The treatment process generates disinfection byproducts: TTHMs at 30.9 ppb (39% of the legal limit, but 206x the EWG guideline) and HAA5 at 21.5 ppb (36% of the legal limit, but 215x 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 0.279 ppb, which is 14x 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) | 55 PPM | < 60 PPM | No federal limit | ✓ OK |
| Total Dissolved Solids | 93 PPM | < 300 PPM | 500 PPM | ✓ OK |
| PFAS (total) | 53.99 ppt | — | No total limit | Detected |
| ↳ PFOA | 6.88 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ⚠ Exceeds |
| ↳ PFOS | 6.04 ppt | 0 ppt | 4 ppt (2024) | ⚠ Exceeds |
| Lead | 5 ppb | 0 ppb (no safe level) | 15 ppb (10 ppb in 2027) | ✓ Low |
| Chlorine / Chloramine | 1.7 mg/L | Taste threshold ~1.0 | 4.0 mg/L | ✓ Normal |
| Nitrate | 3.41 mg/L | 5 mg/L | 10 mg/L | ✓ OK |
Recommendations for Upper Darby Homes
Recommended Filter for Upper Darby
PFAS exceed EPA limits (PFOA: 6.88 ppt, PFOS: 6.04 ppt — limit: 4 ppt each). A certified filter reduces these contaminants effectively.
See all filter recommendations for Upper DarbyQuick Fix for Chlorine: Shower Filter
At 1.7 mg/L chlorine, many Upper Darby 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 Upper Darby
With PFAS at 53.99 ppt in Upper Darby'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 Aqua Pennsylvania's annual Consumer Confidence Report for official city-level data.
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About Upper Darby's Water Supply
Water Utility: Aqua Pennsylvania
Water Source: Darby Creek & Philadelphia system (Surface Water)
Population Served: 822,600
Hardness: 55 PPM (3.2 grains per gallon)
Upper Darby's drinking water comes from surface sources — Darby Creek & Philadelphia system. 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 823,000 residents.
Water quality can vary by neighborhood and season. For your exact numbers, request Aqua Pennsylvania'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 Aqua Pennsylvania in Upper Darby, PA, including ZIP codes:
08020, 08027, 08051, 08056, 08061, 08062, 08063, 08066, 08071, 08074, 08080, 08086, 08090, 08097, 19003, 19004, 19008, 19013, 19015, 19016, 19018, 19022, 19023, 19026, 19029, 19032, 19033, 19035, 19036, 19037, 19041, 19043, 19050, 19063, 19064, 19065, 19066, 19070, 19072, 19074, 19076, 19078, 19079, 19081, 19082, 19083, 19086, 19091, 19094, 19096, 19098, 19339
If your ZIP code is listed above, this report covers your water supply. Water quality may vary slightly by neighborhood.
Compare Upper Darby to Other Pennsylvania Cities
Frequently Asked Questions About Upper Darby Water
Is Upper Darby tap water safe to drink?
Where does Upper Darby's water come from?
Do I need a water softener in Upper Darby?
How do I remove PFAS from Upper Darby tap water?
What water filter is best for Upper Darby?
Is Upper Darby water safe for babies and infants?
What are disinfection byproducts in Upper Darby's water?
Is chromium-6 in Upper Darby'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 Upper Darby Homeowners Actually Buy
Prioritized for contaminant reduction for homes with 55 PPM water and PFAS above EPA limits.
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission. Selection based on Upper Darby's water data.