Acosta, PA Water Safety: 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
For most households in Acosta, PA tap water is adequate — the middle-tier grade reflects gaps in specific service areas.
How Acosta Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Acosta Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 18% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
Water Systems Serving Acosta
In Acosta, PA, the drinking water supply is organized under a single dominant utility — a consolidated structure that shapes how infrastructure investment, regulatory compliance, and rate decisions flow to households. When one provider handles the overwhelming share of residential connections out of 1 tracked system, accountability is clear: service upgrades, EPA violation responses, and tariff changes all funnel through that single organizational structure.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Acosta, Pennsylvania (population ~225), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,400 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Acosta — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Acosta: C (63/100)
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
Acosta water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Acosta
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15520 | C | LINCOLN TWP MUNI AUTH | 1,400 |
All ZIP Codes in Acosta
- 15520 [C]
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.
How Old Is Acosta's Housing Stock?
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Acosta's housing stock skews relatively recent, with a median build year of 1993. Homes constructed after 1986 avoid the lead-soldered copper joints that were standard before the federal ban — reducing aggregate risk from plumbing as a contamination pathway.
Most homes in Acosta 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.
Acosta: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Given current Acosta property values, the remediation share falls in the moderate tier — an indicator that the household financial perspective here calls for advance planning rather than dismissal, with most homeowners positioned to address documented issues through deliberate budgeting rather than needing to treat remediation as a significant equity event or financial emergency.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Acosta. The estimated $800–$2,600 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 50% below the Pennsylvania average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Acosta
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.
Generally, the structural picture for Acosta runs in a quiet direction. Aggregate sampling rests under the federal action benchmark, and 18% of housing comes from the pre-rule era — a contained local footprint. That dual signal keeps lead in the background of local concerns, while a one-faucet measurement still answers a different question than any system average can: what is actually flowing from one specific tap on a given morning.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Acosta
Only a limited number of flood insurance claims have been filed for Acosta under the NFIP, reflecting a flood history that stays well below the point where water-quality infrastructure stress becomes a routine planning concern.
Acosta has a relatively low flood history with 3 FEMA claims on record. While risk is limited, severe weather events can still impact water infrastructure.
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>$1,600</strong> remediation cost per household.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Acosta
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Acosta, PA