York County, Pennsylvania: drinking water report. York County sits in south-central Pennsylvania, home to about 460,000 residents.
York County sits in south-central Pennsylvania, home to about 460,000 residents. The York Water Company – the oldest investor-owned water utility in the country, founded in 1816 – serves much of the county from Lake Williams and Lake Redman. Other communities rely on groundwater from the Piedmont and Blue Ridge geological formations.
York County's reservoir-based supply provides generally clean surface water. UCMR5 data shows low-level PFAS detections in county systems, without the military point sources that affect neighboring counties like Cumberland (home to the former New Cumberland Army Depot).
The county's mix of agricultural and suburban land use means nitrate from farming operations affects some groundwater systems in the western and southern parts of the county. According to the Pennsylvania DEP, two community water systems in York County reported nitrate levels above 50% of the MCL during the most recent monitoring period – not in violation, but trending in the wrong direction.
York County benefits from a strong surface water supply through the York Water Company. Groundwater-dependent communities should monitor nitrate and PFAS trends.
Check your water for data specific to your provider. For nitrate concerns, reverse osmosis is the most effective household treatment. Our water filter guide covers certified systems. Pull your detailed report, and visit our Pennsylvania page for statewide data.