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Erie, PA · 234,159 people served · EPA data 2021–2026

Tap water quality in Erie, Pennsylvania

Erie's water systems logged 1 health-based EPA violation in 2021–2026, most recently in 2025 — a modest record, with tthm the issue found. For context, Pennsylvania's systems average 1.6 health-based violations each.

CFair
Erie water grade: C
Fair — our A–F grade from this city's EPA compliance record, relative to Pennsylvania and the nation. How we grade →
Health-based violations, 2021–20261
Tthm1
Erie City Water Authority220,001 served
Summit Township Water Authorit12,500 served
McKean Twp Waterworks1,048 served
Millfair Heights Water System390 served
Pennsylvania quality rank#50 / 51 (75.9/100)
Pennsylvania avg hardness120 PPM (moderately hard)
Want to know what's actually in your Erie water?

Averages describe states, not your faucet. A certified home water test screens for lead, nitrates, bacteria and dozens of other contaminants — the same categories EPA regulates.

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Erie tap water FAQ

Is tap water safe to drink in Erie?

Erie's systems logged 1 health-based violation in 2021–2026, most commonly tthm. A violation is a red flag for a period of time, not a permanent condition — your utility's current Consumer Confidence Report shows today's status, and a certified home test shows what's at your tap.

Who supplies Erie's water?

Erie City Water Authority (serving about 220,001 people); Summit Township Water Authorit (serving about 12,500 people); McKean Twp Waterworks (serving about 1,048 people); Millfair Heights Water System (serving about 390 people). Data: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System, July 2026.

How hard is the water in Erie?

City-level hardness isn't published in a single federal dataset, but Pennsylvania averages 120 PPM — "moderately hard" on the USGS scale. Your utility's water quality report lists Erie's exact hardness, or a $10 test strip tells you in a minute. If it comes back over 120 PPM, see our water softener guidance in the purification calculator.

Do I need a water filter in Erie?

With 1 health-based violation on record in 2021–2026, a certified filter is reasonable insurance here: reverse osmosis ($150–$1,300 installed, Angi 2026) covers lead, nitrates and PFAS at the tap. Test first ($50–$200) so you buy for what's actually present.

Want to know what's actually in your Erie water?

Averages describe states, not your faucet. A certified home water test screens for lead, nitrates, bacteria and dozens of other contaminants — the same categories EPA regulates.

Test your water at home

We may earn a commission if you request quotes through this link. It costs you nothing and never affects the data we publish.