Bessemer, PA: 1 Health Violation — 71/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Bessemer, PA: reliable drinking water, above-average safety record, few violations.
How Bessemer Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Bessemer Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 4 violations in the past 5 years.
- Homes built before 1986: 96% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $700 per household.
Water Systems Serving Bessemer
Water service in Bessemer, PA is organized around a single utility — one of 1 tracked by regulator, and the one that manages the local distribution network while holding primary responsibility for EPA compliance reporting.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Bessemer, Pennsylvania, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,431 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Bessemer: B (71/100)
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
Bessemer water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Bessemer
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 8 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16112 | B | 4 | 1 | Bessemer Borough Water Department |
All ZIP Codes in Bessemer
- 16112 [B] — 4 violations ⚠
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.
Key Contaminants Detected in Bessemer
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Bessemer's Housing Stock?
With 96% 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
The median home in Bessemer was built in 1955 — a figure that places most of the city's residential stock in the era when lead solder was still standard in copper plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered joints; those built before 1970 face the additional possibility of lead pipes in the service line itself.
Over half of homes in Bessemer 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.
Bessemer: Remediation Cost in Perspective
At current valuations, Bessemer sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Bessemer are relatively low compared to home values. The $150–$1,400 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 34% below the Pennsylvania average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Bessemer
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 96% of Bessemer 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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Bessemer, PA