Darlington, PA: Lead Above EPA Limits — 36/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 4 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water monitoring data from Darlington, PA tells a below-average story — health violations are present and system-level detail is worth reviewing before drawing conclusions.
How Darlington Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Darlington Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 27 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0255 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 73% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $7,380 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Darlington
Multiple utilities divide Darlington, PA's water service — 3 leading providers among 4 on the federal register.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Darlington, Pennsylvania (population ~3,451), covering 4 community water systems serving approximately 66,870 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 4 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Darlington: F (36/100)
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
Darlington water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0255 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 16 | 1 |
| Total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) | Disinfection Byproducts | 8 | 1 |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 8 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 8 | 1 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 6 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16115 | F | 27 | 4 | Beaver Falls Muni Authority |
All ZIP Codes in Darlington
- 16115 [F] — 27 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.
Top Contaminants in Darlington Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Darlington
With 73% 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
Housing age is one of the most reliable proxies for plumbing-era lead risk, because two federal milestones — the widespread use of lead pipes before 1970 and the continued use of lead solder until 1986 — define the highest-risk tiers of the residential housing stock. With a median build year of 1969, Darlington falls squarely within the older range — meaning a large fraction of the housing was built under the plumbing standards of those earlier eras. The distribution above captures where that risk concentrates, and why older neighborhoods warrant particular attention from residents concerned about tap water quality.
Over half of homes in Darlington 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Darlington Homeowners
At current Darlington valuations, the remediation share sits in the elevated tier — a level where deliberate financial planning becomes a practical prerequisite rather than a convenience for most homeowners.
At 4.0% of home value, remediation costs in Darlington represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $4,820–$10,640. Home values here are 14% below the Pennsylvania average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Darlington
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.
Wherever 73% of housing comes from before the federal solder ban and citywide samples cross the regulatory action mark — as in Darlington — household kits and a certified filter via retailer networks are the household-level tools.
<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.
Flood & Climate Risk in Darlington
25 FEMA flood insurance claims are on file for Darlington, 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.
Darlington has a moderate flood history with 25 FEMA claims averaging $8,720 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 Darlington
- 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 Contaminant 0700 can reduce the most common contaminant found in Darlington's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 73% 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 Darlington, PA