Johnstown, OH: High Radon Risk — 70/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water utilities in Johnstown have maintained a consistent compliance record over recent monitoring periods — the city's above-average grade in OH reflects low violation rates and no systemic health concerns flagged in current data.
How Johnstown Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Johnstown Water
- Average lead level: 0.002 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 48% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 13.62 — above typical levels.
Who Supplies Your Water in Johnstown
3 independent water providers serve Johnstown, OH — 5 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Johnstown, Ohio (population ~13,900), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 1,463,432 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Johnstown — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Johnstown: B (70/100)
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
Johnstown water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0020 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43031 | B | Johnstown City Public Water System | 5,200 |
All ZIP Codes in Johnstown
- 43031 [B]
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.
Health Outcomes in Johnstown
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
Housing & Infrastructure in Johnstown
With 48% 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
Housing age is a practical proxy for plumbing risk because federal standards changed in 1986, when lead solder was banned from new residential construction, and again earlier — before 1970, lead pipes were themselves commonly installed. Johnstown's median build year of 1982 sits in the range where both pre- and post-1986 homes are well represented. The bar chart above reflects that mixed picture: the distribution captures pockets of older housing alongside more recent development, and those pockets carry real lead risk potential at the individual property level.
Most homes in Johnstown were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Johnstown Homeowners
The household financial picture for Johnstown homeowners is proportionally favorable — addressing documented issues claims a small slice of equity, and the cost-to-value ratio puts this area well within the manageable tier.
Remediation costs in Johnstown are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,000–$4,100 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 86% above the Ohio average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Johnstown
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.
Routinely in Johnstown, where 48% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Johnstown
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Johnstown shows a moderate flood record — 4 claims and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Johnstown has a moderate flood history with 4 FEMA claims averaging $2,458 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>$3,000</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Johnstown, OH