Galeton, PA: 1 Health Violation — 74/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Water utilities in Galeton have maintained a consistent compliance record over recent monitoring periods — the city's above-average grade in PA reflects low violation rates and no systemic health concerns flagged in current data.
How Galeton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Galeton Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 9 violations in the past 5 years.
- Homes built before 1986: 80% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,900 per household.
Water Systems Serving Galeton
Federal records track 1 water system in Galeton, PA, and a single provider handles the dominant share of residential connections while carrying primary responsibility for EPA compliance.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Galeton, Pennsylvania, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,610 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Galeton: B (74/100)
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
Galeton water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Galeton
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate Risk)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 1 |
| E. coli | Microbiological | 4 | 1 |
| Copper | Inorganic | 2 | 1 |
| Contaminant 1075 | Other | 2 | 1 |
| Contaminant 2959 | Other | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16922 | B | 9 | 1 | Galeton Borough Authority |
All ZIP Codes in Galeton
- 16922 [B] — 9 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 Galeton
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Galeton's Housing Stock?
With 80% 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 Galeton — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1964 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Galeton 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.
Galeton: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Remediation costs in Galeton represent a moderate share of typical home values — worth budgeting for carefully, though within reach for most homeowners who plan ahead.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Galeton. The estimated $950–$3,200 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 25% below the Pennsylvania average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Galeton
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 80% of Galeton 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 Galeton
Across the NFIP's long tracking period, Galeton shows 7 claims and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones — figures that place it in moderate flood exposure territory. At this level, the water-quality implications of flooding — contaminated wells, stressed treatment intake, distribution backflow — move from theoretical edge cases to genuine periodic risks, particularly during higher-severity events.
Galeton has a moderate flood history with 7 FEMA claims averaging $4,955 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>$1,900</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Galeton, PA