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

York’s drinking water meets regulatory standards, but that does not mean the water is completely free of contaminants. Local testing shows nitrate, barium, atrazine, disinfection byproducts, lithium, hardness minerals, lead, copper, and other trace substances in the water. Many residents still choose filtration to improve taste and reduce what their household consumes through daily drinking and cooking water.

York’s supply is sourced from the Codorus Creek system and reservoirs including Lake Williams and Lake Redman, with drought-related transfers used when needed. Because surface water can be influenced by runoff, seasonal changes, natural organic matter, and treatment conditions, local water quality can shift over time.

Chloramines help maintain a disinfectant residual as water moves through distribution lines. Some people notice a chemical taste or smell more than others, especially at the kitchen sink or in showers. Whole-home carbon filtration can help reduce disinfectant taste and odor throughout the home.

Yes. York reported haloacetic acids, or HAA5s, with an average of about 29.11 ppb across the four listed quarters. Total trihalomethanes, or TTHMs, averaged about 37.07 ppb across the four listed quarters. These compounds can form when disinfectants react with naturally occurring organic matter in surface water. Even when drinking water rules are met, many homeowners choose carbon filtration or reverse osmosis because long-term exposure to disinfection byproducts is still a concern for water used every day.

Most listed UCMR5 PFAS results were reported below detection levels, but the report still includes PFAS-related monitoring. PFBS was reported below 0.0030 ppb, and PFTA was reported below 0.0080 ppb. PFAS are a concern because they are long-lasting chemicals that can build up over time. Reverse osmosis is a common option for households that want added PFAS reduction at the kitchen sink.

Lithium was reported below 9.00 ppb in York’s UCMR5 monitoring. Lithium is an unregulated contaminant that is receiving more attention in drinking water discussions. Even when reported at low levels, some households prefer filtration for drinking and cooking water because daily exposure can add up over time. Reverse osmosis can help reduce many dissolved substances at the tap.

Yes. Nitrate nitrogen was reported at 3.45 ppm, and total nitrate and nitrite were also reported at 3.45 ppm. Nitrate is a contaminant many households prefer to reduce, especially in homes with infants, young children, pregnant women, or anyone with certain health concerns. Reverse osmosis is one of the most common treatment options for reducing nitrate in drinking water.

Fluoride was not detected in the listed sample. If fluoride levels vary by customer area or source conditions, homeowners who want more control over their drinking water often choose reverse osmosis at the kitchen sink.

Atrazine was detected at 0.00021 ppm. Atrazine is commonly associated with agricultural runoff and is one of the contaminants homeowners often prefer to reduce in drinking water. Reverse osmosis and certain carbon filtration systems can help provide added protection at the tap.

York reported hardness at 96 ppm, which is typically considered moderately hard. This can contribute to spots on dishes, dry-feeling skin and hair, soap that does not lather well, and mineral buildup around faucets and shower doors. A water softener is the main solution for reducing hardness minerals throughout the home.

Lead was reported at a 90th percentile level of 0.003 ppm, or 3 ppb, at customer taps. Lead can vary from home to home because it often comes from plumbing materials, fixtures, or service lines. There is no safe level of lead exposure, especially for children and pregnant women. A certified drinking water filter or reverse osmosis system can help reduce lead in the water your household drinks every day.

Copper was reported at a 90th percentile level of 0.042 ppm at customer taps. Copper can enter water through household plumbing, especially when water sits in pipes for several hours. If you notice a metallic taste or have older plumbing, a water test can help determine whether drinking water filtration makes sense.

York reported barium at 0.019 ppm, turbidity at 0.022, aluminum at 0.038 ppm, calcium at 29.5 ppm, chloride at 34.7 ppm, magnesium at 7.25 ppm, sodium at 20.0 ppm, sulfate at 32.6 ppm, total dissolved solids at 198.08 ppm, and a pH of 8.5. These values can influence taste, scale, and how water feels in the home. A local water test can help determine whether your home would benefit most from a softener, whole-home filter, reverse osmosis system, or a combination.

You can access the most recent York Tap Water Quality Report through the local water provider. Culligan can also help test your home’s tap water and recommend filtration based on what is coming through your plumbing.