Darby, PA Water Safety: 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Darby shows moderate tap water quality for PA — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How Darby Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Darby Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 95% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
Water Systems Serving Darby
Across Darby, PA, residential water comes from 2 primary utilities rather than a single consolidated provider. Each system operates independently — managing its own distribution infrastructure, rate schedules, and EPA compliance filings. Federal records track 2 water systems in the area, with these top providers accounting for the majority of residential connections.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Darby, Pennsylvania (population ~22,636), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 2,422,600 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Darby — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Darby: C (55/100)
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
Darby water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Darby
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19023 | C | Aqua Pa Main System | 822,600 |
All ZIP Codes in Darby
- 19023 [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 Darby's Housing Stock?
With 95% 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 Darby was built in 1959 — 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 Darby 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.
Darby: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Given that Darby falls in the elevated cost-to-value tier, the equity impact of documented remediation is a real financial planning challenge for most homeowners.
At 2.1% of home value, remediation costs in Darby represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,600–$3,300. Home values here are 45% below the Pennsylvania average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Darby
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.
Despite citywide averages serving as the standard public reference point, those aggregates cannot resolve what is happening at one specific faucet — and where 95% of Darby homes come from before the solder rule or where utility samples sit at or above the action mark, the gap between system data and faucet reality matters more than it does in lower-exposure communities. An in-home draw closes that gap, with certified filtration through retailer networks available where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Darby
Flood claims in Darby number 566 under the NFIP, and 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA-designated zones — together reflecting a community where flooding is a recurring, significant feature of the local risk environment with direct implications for periodic water supply safety.
Darby has a significant flood history with 566 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $26,714 per claim. With 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
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>$2,400</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 Darby
- 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 95% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Darby, PA