Bala Cynwyd, PA Water Safety: 65/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Bala Cynwyd, PA: middle-tier water safety by the latest federal monitoring.
How Bala Cynwyd Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Bala Cynwyd Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 83% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,100 per household.
Water Systems Serving Bala Cynwyd
Multiple utilities divide Bala Cynwyd, PA's water service — 2 leading providers among 2 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania (population ~10,439), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 2,422,600 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Bala Cynwyd — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Bala Cynwyd: C (65/100)
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
Bala Cynwyd water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Bala Cynwyd
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 3 (Low Risk)
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19004 | C | Aqua Pa Main System | 822,600 |
All ZIP Codes in Bala Cynwyd
- 19004 [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 Bala Cynwyd's Housing Stock?
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
Plumbing risk in older housing is defined by two eras: the pre-1970 period when lead pipes were commonly used for service lines, and the 1970-to-1986 period when lead solder remained standard in copper plumbing until the federal ban. Bala Cynwyd's median build year of 1956 lands in a range where both eras are heavily represented in the housing stock. That creates an elevated aggregate environment for plumbing-related lead exposure — one that city-level water quality averages don't capture, because the risk sits inside individual properties rather than in the distribution system.
Over half of homes in Bala Cynwyd 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.
Bala Cynwyd: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Given current Bala Cynwyd valuations, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is low — most homeowners are looking at a proportionally modest share that fits within routine financial planning.
Remediation costs in Bala Cynwyd are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,200–$4,800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 189% above the Pennsylvania average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Bala Cynwyd
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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 83% of Bala Cynwyd stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Bala Cynwyd
How does Bala Cynwyd's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 26 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 100% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
Bala Cynwyd has a moderate flood history with 26 FEMA claims averaging $58,358 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>$3,100</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 Bala Cynwyd
- 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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Bala Cynwyd, PA