Harford, PA: 1 Violation — 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Harford shows moderate tap water quality for PA — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How Harford Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Harford Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 1 violation in the past 5 years.
- Homes built before 1986: 77% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
Harford's Water Providers
Supply infrastructure in Harford, PA runs through a single dominant provider — the main entity among 1 tracked system through which rate decisions, infrastructure work, and federal compliance are managed.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Harford, Pennsylvania, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 108 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Harford: 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
Harford water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Harford
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18823 | C | 1 | 0 | Harford Muni Authority Water System |
All ZIP Codes in Harford
- 18823 [C] — 1 violation
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.
What's in Harford's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Harford Infrastructure Age
With 77% 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
Plumbing risk in older housing is defined by two eras: the pre-1970 period when lead pipes were commonly used for service lines, and the 1970-to-1986 period when lead solder remained standard in copper plumbing until the federal ban. Harford's median build year of 1956 lands in a range where both eras are heavily represented in the housing stock. That creates an elevated aggregate environment for plumbing-related lead exposure — one that city-level water quality averages don't capture, because the risk sits inside individual properties rather than in the distribution system.
Over half of homes in Harford 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Harford
Across Harford, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Harford are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 18% above the Pennsylvania average.
Harford: 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.
Older interior plumbing shapes the local picture: 77% of Harford homes predate the federal solder ban, and aggregate sampling either approaches or crosses the action benchmark. That mix makes a single-home draw a standard pre-purchase or pre-occupancy step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Harford
- 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. Filters rated for Surface Water Treatment Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Harford's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 77% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Harford, PA