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

Yes, Hanover tap water is treated to meet federal drinking water standards. However, meeting those standards does not mean the water is completely free from contaminants or that it will meet every household’s preferences for taste, odor, hardness, or long-term drinking water concerns. The Hanover Borough Water Quality Report shows detected levels of substances such as nitrate, fluoride, barium, total trihalomethanes, haloacetic acids, lead, copper, and other regulated contaminants. Many homeowners choose filtration or reverse osmosis for drinking and cooking water because it adds another layer of protection at the tap.

Hanover’s treated drinking water comes from surface water sources, including the Sheppard Myers Dam, Lawrence Baker Sheppard Dam, Kitzmiller Dam, and the Slagles Run Intake and Pump Station. These sources are used to supply the treatment facility located in Conewago Township, Adams County. Because Hanover uses surface water sources, the water can be affected by seasonal runoff, natural minerals, organic matter, agricultural activity, and other source water conditions before treatment.

Yes. Hanover Municipal Water Works reported a monitoring violation related to TTHMs and HAA5s. The notice stated that the system failed to monitor for these contaminants during January through June 2023, which means regular test results were not available for that specific period. TTHMs and HAA5s are disinfection byproducts that can form when disinfectants react with naturally occurring organic matter in water. The violation was not listed as an emergency, but it is still important for homeowners because consistent monitoring helps confirm whether water quality is staying within required standards over time.

Yes. Hanover reported total trihalomethanes, or TTHMs, at 42.6 ppb and haloacetic acids, or HAA5s, at 24.9 ppb. These levels are below the federal limits listed in the report, but disinfection byproducts are still a common reason homeowners choose additional drinking water filtration. Activated carbon filtration and reverse osmosis systems can help reduce many unwanted tastes, odors, and certain contaminants at the tap.

Chlorine is used to help disinfect drinking water as it moves through the treatment and distribution system. Hanover reported free chlorine results with a lowest average result of 0.85 ppm and a highest average result of 1.13 ppm. Even when chlorine is doing its job, some homeowners notice a chemical taste or smell in their water. A whole-home carbon filter or drinking water filtration system can help reduce chlorine taste and odor before the water reaches your glass, shower, laundry, and appliances.

The Hanover Borough Water Quality Report listed Perfluorooctanoic Acid, or PFOA, at 1.575. PFOA is one of the most recognized PFAS chemicals, often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they can persist in the environment over time. PFAS concerns can vary by source water, testing requirements, and reporting period. Homeowners who want added protection for drinking and cooking water often choose reverse osmosis because it is one of the most common point-of-use options for reducing many PFAS compounds at the kitchen sink.

Yes. Hanover reported nitrate as nitrogen at 2.44 ppm. This is below the federal limit listed in the report, 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 one of the most common drinking water treatment options for reducing nitrate at the tap.

Yes. Hanover reported fluoride at 0.65 ppm. Fluoride levels can vary by source and treatment conditions. Some homeowners are comfortable with fluoride in their drinking water, while others prefer more control over what remains in the water they drink and cook with every day. Reverse osmosis is commonly used by households that want to reduce fluoride at the kitchen sink.

Hanover’s report does not list a specific water hardness number in the sections provided. However, surface water can still contain minerals that contribute to scale, spots, dry-feeling skin, dull laundry, and buildup around faucets and fixtures. The best way to confirm hardness at your home is with a local water test. If hardness minerals are present, a water softener can help reduce scale buildup and make everyday water feel better throughout the home.

Hanover reported lead at a 90th percentile level of 3 ppb. This is below the action level listed in the report, but lead can still be a concern because it often enters water through older plumbing, pipes, fixtures, or service lines. Since lead levels can vary from home to home, many homeowners choose certified drinking water filtration or reverse osmosis for added protection at the tap.

Hanover reported copper at a 90th percentile level of 0.286 ppm. Copper can enter drinking water through household plumbing, especially when water sits in pipes for several hours. While the reported level is below the action level listed in the report, a water test can help determine whether copper or other plumbing-related metals are present in your home’s water.

The Hanover Borough Water Quality Report listed several additional detected substances, including barium at 0.023 ppm, combined uranium at 0.67 pCi/L, and radium-228 at 1.22 pCi/L. These levels were reported below the listed federal limits, but many homeowners still choose water treatment because daily-use water can affect taste, odor, fixtures, appliances, and peace of mind. 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 Hanover Borough Water Quality Report through your local water provider. Culligan Mid-Atlantic can also test your home’s tap water and help explain what may be entering your water through local source water, treatment conditions, and your household plumbing.