Boalsburg, PA: High Radon Risk — 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-04
Public water compliance in Boalsburg falls below the PA baseline — elevated violation rates are on record.
How Boalsburg Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
Key Facts for Boalsburg Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 52% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,900 per household.
Boalsburg's Water Providers
Water supply in Boalsburg, PA follows a divided structure: 2 utilities account for the largest share of residential service out of 2 total systems, each managing its own distribution network and EPA reporting. Because these systems operate independently, rate decisions and compliance outcomes are determined separately.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania (population ~5,197), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 78,000 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Boalsburg — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Boalsburg: D (53/100)
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
Boalsburg water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Boalsburg
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16827 | D | STATE COLLEGE BORO WATER AUTH | 72,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Boalsburg
- 16827 [D]
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.
Boalsburg Infrastructure Age
With 52% 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
Federal plumbing rules changed in two stages — lead pipes were phased out before 1970, and lead solder was banned in 1986 — but in Boalsburg, where the median build year is 1984, most of the housing was already in place before those rules took effect. The materials installed under older standards remain embedded in a substantial portion of the residential inventory today.
Over half of homes in Boalsburg 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Boalsburg
Property equity in Boalsburg runs well ahead of estimated remediation costs — a cost-to-value ratio that sits in the low tier, meaning documented water and safety issues here are the kind homeowners can plan to address without treating the expense as a significant budget event relative to what their homes are worth.
Remediation costs in Boalsburg are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,900–$4,100 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 96% above the Pennsylvania average.
Boalsburg: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Reading the local data together points toward a structural gap that matters more here than in low-exposure communities. 52% of Boalsburg stock comes from the pre-rule era, and citywide monitoring either approaches or sits beyond the federal benchmark under Lead and Copper Rule sampling. A baseline kit fits the routine-diligence category, with certified filtration available via retailer networks where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Boalsburg: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Although Boalsburg's flood history doesn't reach high-severity thresholds, NFIP data documents 5 claims and FEMA maps place 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones — a combined profile that makes flood-related water quality considerations a reasonable planning baseline.
Boalsburg has a moderate flood history with 5 FEMA claims averaging $4,847 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>$2,900</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 Boalsburg
- 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 52% 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 Boalsburg, PA