Greencastle, PA's Home for Water Softeners, Water Filters & Water Delivery

Yes. Greencastle’s drinking water meets federal (EPA) and Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) health standards. The most recent report notes one reporting violation: an arsenic sample result was sent to DEP late. That was a paperwork issue, not a health limit being exceeded.

The most recent Greencastle water quality report doesn’t list a hardness level. Greencastle’s water comes from springs and wells in the limestone of the Cumberland Valley, and water from limestone aquifers is commonly hard, leaving scale on fixtures, spots on dishes, and buildup inside water heaters. A free water test will tell you your home’s exact number.

Yes. The most recent report shows nitrate up to 6.50 ppm (range 4.08 to 6.50 ppm), below the EPA maximum contaminant level of 10 ppm but higher than many water systems. Nitrate typically comes from fertilizer runoff and septic systems reaching groundwater in farm country. A reverse osmosis drinking water filter can reduce nitrate at the tap.

Greencastle’s lead results meet federal requirements, with a 90th percentile result of 5.21 ppb against the 15 ppb action level. One of the 20 homes tested was above the action level, with a highest result of 34.2 ppb. Lead usually comes from household plumbing, so homes with older pipes or fixtures may want added protection from a lead-certified drinking water filter.

Greencastle’s most recent water quality report shows no PFAS detections. All samples collected under the EPA’s unregulated contaminant monitoring were below detection limits.

Yes. Greencastle disinfects its water with chlorine. The most recent report shows distribution levels from 1.05 to 1.36 ppm, below the EPA maximum residual disinfectant level of 4.0 ppm. Total trihalomethanes, a disinfection byproduct, reached 28.6 ppb, well under the 80 ppb federal limit.

The Greencastle Area Franklin County Water Authority draws groundwater from Moss Spring, the Eshelman-Spangler Springs at Long Lane, Ebberts Spring, and several wells. The water is collected, disinfected, and distributed throughout the Greencastle area.

Because Greencastle uses groundwater, treatment centers on chlorine disinfection, with levels monitored at each entry point and throughout the distribution system. The sources are also monitored for turbidity (cloudiness), and every monthly turbidity sample in the most recent report met the standard.

Private wells aren’t covered by the Water Authority’s testing, so the water quality is up to the homeowner. Wells in Franklin County’s limestone valley commonly have hard water and can pick up nitrate from farmland, and bacteria can move quickly through limestone after heavy rain. Pennsylvania doesn’t require well testing, so it’s worth testing yours regularly. You can learn more about well water treatment or schedule a free in-home test.

Greencastle’s water meets all safety standards, so treatment is a matter of preference. Because the water comes from limestone springs and wells, many homeowners add a water softener to stop scale buildup. A reverse osmosis drinking water filter reduces nitrate, lead from household plumbing, and chlorine taste at the kitchen tap. A free water test shows what your home actually needs.

The Greencastle Area Franklin County Water Authority tests throughout the year for bacteria, disinfectant levels, disinfection byproducts, turbidity, nitrate, inorganic chemicals, lead and copper, radiological contaminants, and volatile organic compounds. Results are reviewed by PA DEP and published in the annual Drinking Water Quality Report.

You can access the most recent Greencastle Water Quality Report here.