Gettysburg, Pennsylvania’s
Home for Water Softeners,
Water Filters, and Water Delivery

Yes, Gettysburg tap water is treated to meet drinking water standards. However, meeting those standards does not mean the water is free from everything homeowners may want to reduce. The Gettysburg water quality information shows detected levels of arsenic, barium, nitrate, HAA5s, TTHMs, gross alpha particle activity, combined uranium, radium, PFOS, PFOA, lithium, chlorine, lead, copper, and other substances. Many homeowners choose drinking water filtration or reverse osmosis to add another layer of protection for the water they drink and cook with every day.

Gettysburg’s water comes from both surface water and wells. The listed sources include the Gettysburg Surface Water Filtration Plant located near Sachs Bridge in Cumberland Township. Wells 3, 8, 9, and 10 are located in Cumberland Township, while Wells 2 and 6 are located in Gettysburg Borough. Because Gettysburg uses a mix of surface water and groundwater, local water quality can be affected by runoff, natural minerals, source water conditions, and nearby land use before treatment. Household plumbing can also affect water quality once water reaches the home.

The sections provided from the Gettysburg water quality information did not list a drinking water violation. However, the report did show several detected contaminants, including PFOS, PFOA, arsenic, nitrate, disinfection byproducts, lithium, lead, copper, and radionuclides. Even without a listed violation, many homeowners choose additional water treatment for better taste, added protection, and more control at the tap.

Yes. Gettysburg reported PFOS at 3.90 ppt, with a detection range of 0 to 12.8 ppt. PFOA was reported at 2.85 ppt, with a detection range of 0 to 6.59 ppt. The UCMR section also listed PFHxS, PFNA, and HFPO-DA as below the minimum reporting level. PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they can persist in the environment over time. Even at low reported levels, many homeowners prefer to reduce PFAS in the water they drink and cook with. Reverse osmosis is one of the most common point-of-use treatment options for reducing many PFAS compounds at the kitchen sink.

Yes. Gettysburg reported lithium at 18.56 ppb, with a detection range from below the minimum reporting level to 37.2 ppb. Lithium is an unregulated contaminant that is receiving more attention in drinking water discussions. Even when there is no federal drinking water standard, some homeowners prefer added filtration for drinking and cooking water because daily exposure can add up over time. Reverse osmosis is commonly used by households that want added reduction at the tap.

Yes. Gettysburg reported nitrate at 1.8 ppm, with a detection range of 0.77 to 3.03 ppm. This is below the federal limit, but nitrate is still a contaminant many households prefer to reduce, especially homes with infants, young children, pregnant women, or anyone with certain health concerns. Reverse osmosis is commonly used to reduce nitrate in drinking water.

Yes. Gettysburg reported arsenic at 3.7 ppb, with a detection range of 0.5 to 7 ppb. Arsenic can occur naturally in some water sources and may also be associated with certain environmental conditions. Even when detected below the federal limit, some homeowners prefer added drinking water treatment because arsenic is not something they want in the water they use every day. Reverse osmosis is a common option for reducing arsenic at the tap.

Yes. Gettysburg reported total trihalomethanes, or TTHMs, at 29.23 ppb, with a detection range of 17.92 to 43.17 ppb. Haloacetic acids, or HAA5s, were reported at 29.14 ppb, with a detection range of 22.88 to 40.9 ppb. These levels are below the federal limits, but disinfection byproducts are still a common reason homeowners choose added drinking water filtration. Activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis systems can help reduce many unwanted tastes, odors, and certain contaminants at the tap.

Chlorine helps disinfect water and maintain a residual as water moves through the distribution system. Gettysburg reported distribution chlorine residual at 1.08 ppm, with a detection range of 1.08 to 1.57 ppm. Some homeowners notice a chlorine taste or smell, even when chlorine levels are within the expected range. A whole-home carbon filter or drinking water filtration system can help reduce chlorine taste and odor before water reaches your glass, shower, laundry, and appliances.

The Gettysburg water quality information did not list a specific hardness number in the sections provided.However, groundwater and surface water can contain minerals that contribute to scale buildup, spots on dishes, dry-feeling skin and hair, and buildup around faucets and fixtures. A local water test is the best way to confirm whether your Gettysburg home has hard water. If hardness minerals are present, a water softener can help protect plumbing, appliances, fixtures, and everyday comfort.

Gettysburg reported lead at a 90th percentile level of 2 ppb.This is below the action level, but lead can still be a concern because it often enters water through older plumbing, fixtures, or service lines. Lead levels can vary from home to home, so many homeowners choose certified drinking water filtration or reverse osmosis for added protection at the tap.

Gettysburg reported copper at a 90th percentile level of 0.42 ppm.This is below the action level, but copper can still enter water through household plumbing, especially when water sits in pipes for several hours. A water test can help determine whether copper or other plumbing-related metals are present in your home’s water.

The Gettysburg water quality information listed several additional detected substances, including barium at 0.125 ppm, gross alpha particle activity at 6.47 pCi/L, combined uranium at 0.67 pCi/L, radium-226 at 0.087 pCi/L, and radium-228 at 0.86 pCi/L.

These levels do not all carry the same concern, but they show why homeowners may want to understand what is in their daily-use water. A local water test can help determine whether your home would benefit most from a water softener, whole-home filter, reverse osmosis system, or a combination of systems.

You can access the most recent Gettysburg water quality report through the local water provider. Culligan Mid-Atlantic can also test your home’s tap water and help explain what may be coming from local source water, water treatment conditions, and your household plumbing.