Glen Richey, PA: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Glen Richey ranks below average for tap water safety in PA — health-based violations are documented across multiple service areas in recent EPA monitoring data.
How Glen Richey Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Glen Richey Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 85% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
Glen Richey's Water Providers
Throughout Glen Richey, PA, water comes from one of 2 primary utilities out of 2 total systems — independent providers with different rate structures, infrastructure, and compliance records that vary across the service territory.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Glen Richey, Pennsylvania (population ~104), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 18,500 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Glen Richey — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Glen Richey: D (40/100)
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
Glen Richey water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Glen Richey
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16837 | D | CLEARFIELD MUNICIPAL AUTH | 14,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Glen Richey
- 16837 [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.
Glen Richey Infrastructure Age
With 85% 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 Glen Richey — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1953 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Glen Richey 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.
Glen Richey: 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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 85% of Glen Richey stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Glen Richey
- 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 85% 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 Glen Richey, PA