Scotch Plains, NJ: High Radon Risk — 35/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Water monitoring data from Scotch Plains, NJ tells a below-average story — health violations are present and system-level detail is worth reviewing before drawing conclusions.
How Scotch Plains Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Scotch Plains Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 83% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,600 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 11.22.
Scotch Plains's Water Providers
While 1 water system appear in federal records for Scotch Plains, NJ, one provider supplies the majority of residential connections — making it the central point of infrastructure and compliance accountability for most households.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 24,667 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Scotch Plains — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Scotch Plains: F (35/100)
The score combines three factors:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| Lead Levels | 90th percentile lead concentration vs EPA action level |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
Water Sources
Scotch Plains water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Scotch Plains
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07076 | F | TRIPLE BROOK MOBILE HOME | 32 |
All ZIP Codes in Scotch Plains
- 07076 [F]
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Lead/copper: EPA Lead and Copper Rule sampling data
- Radon: EPA Map of Radon Zones
Updated daily.
Scotch Plains Community Health Snapshot
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
Scotch Plains Infrastructure Age
With 83% of homes built before 1986, lead solder in plumbing is a potential concern. The EPA banned lead solder in 1986, but many older homes retain original plumbing.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Scotch Plains — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1950 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Scotch Plains were built before 1986, when lead solder was banned. Older plumbing may leach lead into drinking water, especially with corrosive water chemistry.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Scotch Plains
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Scotch Plains is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Scotch Plains are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,400–$4,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 44% above the New Jersey average.
Scotch Plains: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
Why children are most at risk: The CDC states there is no safe level of lead exposure for children. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 83% of Scotch Plains homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Scotch Plains: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
100% of ZIP codes in Scotch Plains are mapped into FEMA-designated flood zones, and the NFIP records 322 claims reflecting a multi-event flood history. That combination places local flood exposure in the range where water-quality implications deserve at least periodic attention.
Scotch Plains has a moderate flood history with 322 FEMA claims averaging $21,329 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
How flooding affects water quality: Flood events can introduce sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial chemicals into water supplies. Even after floodwaters recede, contamination can persist in wells and aging infrastructure. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$3,600</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Scotch Plains
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. NSF-certified test kits cost $20-40 and give results in days.
- Install a certified water filter. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 83% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- Review your water system's CCR. Your utility publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report with detailed test results. Request it or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Scotch Plains, NJ