Blain, PA: Lead Above EPA Limits — 44/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Unlike better-scoring cities in PA, Blain records health-based violations across a meaningful portion of its service areas — the overall safety grade is well below average.
How Blain Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Blain Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 3 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0468 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 83% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $7,380 per household.
Water Systems Serving Blain
While 1 water system appear in federal records for Blain, PA, 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 Blain, Pennsylvania, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,096 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Blain: D (44/100)
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
Blain water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0468 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 4 | 1 |
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17006 | D | 3 | 0 | Blain Water Company |
All ZIP Codes in Blain
- 17006 [D] — 3 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 Blain
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Blain'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
Pre-1986 plumbing is not a rare legacy case in Blain — 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 Blain 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.
Blain: Remediation Cost in Perspective
The Blain remediation share exceeds what lower-tier markets face — the cost-to-value ratio here is elevated, and the household financial perspective reflects a commitment that most homeowners need to plan for explicitly.
At 4.4% of home value, remediation costs in Blain represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $4,920–$9,940. Home values here are 21% below the Pennsylvania average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Blain
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.
Buildings from the era when federal rules still permitted solder containing lead make up 83% of the Blain inventory. Citywide utility readings sit beyond 0.015 mg/L, indicating system-level concentrations past the regulatory action mark. Two independent indicators align here — a majority of buildings carry older interior plumbing, while aggregate readings have moved past the federal benchmark. A household kit and certified filtration via retailer-verified channels are the standard tools available locally.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Blain
2 FEMA flood insurance claims are on file for Blain, and 100% of local ZIP codes fall within federally designated flood zones — enough to put flood exposure on the planning radar, though short of the concentrated-risk threshold where treatment-system vulnerability becomes a primary consideration.
Blain has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims averaging $12,140 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>$7,380</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 Blain
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Revised Total Coliform Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Blain's water.
- 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 Blain, PA