Havertown, PA: Lead Above EPA Limits — 10/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Havertown's water safety record falls below average in PA — compliance violations span multiple service areas, and several systems have recorded exceedances that trigger federal notification requirements under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
How Havertown Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Havertown Water
- Your city's water systems recorded 99 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.04 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 96% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $9,360 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Havertown
With 3 utilities splitting service in Havertown, PA, water accountability is distributed across 3 systems on the federal record.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Havertown, Pennsylvania (population ~37,220), covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 822,875 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 19 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Havertown: F (10/100)
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
Havertown water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0400 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 50 | 1 |
| Fecal Coliform | Microbiological | 34 | 1 |
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 32 | 1 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 30 | 1 |
| Barium | Inorganic | 14 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19083 | F | 99 | 19 | Aqua Pa Main System |
All ZIP Codes in Havertown
- 19083 [F] — 99 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 Havertown Water
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Housing & Infrastructure in Havertown
With 96% 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 Havertown — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1959 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Havertown 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 Havertown Homeowners
Given current Havertown property values, the remediation-to-equity ratio falls in the elevated tier — deliberate financial planning is a meaningful factor in how homeowners approach the documented water and safety issues on record here.
At 2.2% of home value, remediation costs in Havertown represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $6,140–$13,280. Home values here are 99% above the Pennsylvania average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Havertown
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.
Reading the local data together produces a single household-level picture for Havertown. The 96% pre-rule housing share — that is, the share of buildings constructed before federal rules removed lead solder from new plumbing — combines with citywide utility readings beyond the regulatory action level. The two indicators run in parallel here. An in-home draw produces the household-specific information that aggregate data cannot, and a certified filter via retailer networks is the standard intervention where confirmed results warrant it.
<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 Havertown
How does Havertown's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 156 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 100% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
Havertown has a moderate flood history with 156 FEMA claims averaging $6,261 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>$9,360</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 Havertown
- 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 Lead and Copper Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Havertown's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 96% 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 Havertown, PA