Hawthorn, PA: 5 Health Violations — 57/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Although much of Hawthorn meets baseline drinking water standards, some PA-tracked service areas show violations that merit a closer look — particularly for older housing stock.
How Hawthorn Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Hawthorn Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 43 violations in the past 5 years.
- Homes built before 1986: 96% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
Water Systems Serving Hawthorn
Across most of Hawthorn, PA, residential water comes from a single utility. That provider sets rates, manages infrastructure maintenance, and files compliance reports with the EPA on behalf of the households it serves. Federal tracking data shows 1 system on record, but one carries the bulk of the service load.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Hawthorn, Pennsylvania (population ~485), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,500 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 5 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Hawthorn: C (57/100)
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
Hawthorn water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Hawthorn
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 36 | 1 |
| Chlorite | Disinfection Byproducts | 28 | 1 |
| E. coli | Microbiological | 6 | 1 |
| Uranium | Radionuclides | 2 | 1 |
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16230 | C | 43 | 5 | Hawthorn Redbank Redbank Ma |
All ZIP Codes in Hawthorn
- 16230 [C] — 43 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 Hawthorn
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Hawthorn's Housing Stock?
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
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Hawthorn is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1901 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Hawthorn 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.
Hawthorn: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Within the Hawthorn market, documented remediation claims a significant slice of typical equity — the financial weight here is material.
At 3.3% of home value, remediation costs in Hawthorn represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,900–$4,800. Home values here are 57% below the Pennsylvania average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Hawthorn
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.
Practically, the structural drivers in Hawthorn — 96% pre-rule stock and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory benchmark — make an in-home draw the practical way to translate aggregate averages into the specific conditions at one address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Hawthorn
Flood exposure in Hawthorn is meaningful by NFIP measures — 2 claims on record and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone designations. That level of activity makes flood history a relevant factor when evaluating local water quality over time.
Hawthorn has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims averaging $9,770 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>$3,000</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 Hawthorn
- 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 Lead and Copper Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Hawthorn's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 96% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Hawthorn, PA