Branchdale, PA: High Radon Risk — 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
The latest EPA cycle for Branchdale shows a low safety grade within PA — compliance gaps have persisted over multiple reporting periods, and the city currently holds a low grade in available EPA data.
How Branchdale Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Branchdale Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 97% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
Water Systems Serving Branchdale
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of Branchdale, PA's residential water connections out of 3 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Branchdale, Pennsylvania (population ~314), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 10,110 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Branchdale — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Branchdale: 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
Branchdale water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Branchdale
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17923 | D | BLYTHE TWP MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY | 7,100 |
All ZIP Codes in Branchdale
- 17923 [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.
How Old Is Branchdale's Housing Stock?
With 97% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Branchdale's housing stock carries a median build year of 1904. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Branchdale 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.
Branchdale: Remediation Cost in Perspective
When the numbers for Branchdale are taken together, the remediation share is clearly in the elevated category — most homeowners here are weighing a commitment that extends beyond routine property upkeep, and the practical value of documenting scope early, prioritizing by urgency, and mapping costs against the household budget is proportionally higher at this tier.
At 3.9% of home value, remediation costs in Branchdale represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $2,000–$4,000. Home values here are 64% below the Pennsylvania average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Branchdale
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.
When older housing represents 97% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Branchdale address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Branchdale
While some flood zone mapping exists for Branchdale, NFIP claim volume remains modest, signaling that flood events have not materially stressed local water infrastructure in the program's tracking period.
Branchdale has a relatively low flood history with 1 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>$3,000</strong> remediation cost per household.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Branchdale
- 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 97% 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 Branchdale, PA