Hickory, PA: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Systems across Hickory show elevated violation counts against PA benchmarks — the low safety grade reflects that ongoing compliance pattern.
How Hickory Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Hickory Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 84% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
Water Systems Serving Hickory
One utility dominates residential water service in Hickory, PA — out of 1 system in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Hickory, Pennsylvania (population ~1,303), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 19,031 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Hickory — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Hickory: 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
Hickory water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Hickory
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15340 | D | WESTERN ALLEGHENY COUNTY MUN A | 19,031 |
All ZIP Codes in Hickory
- 15340 [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.
How Old Is Hickory's Housing Stock?
With 84% 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
Two dates define the high-risk tiers of residential plumbing from a lead standpoint: 1970, before which lead pipes were commonly installed for service connections, and 1986, before which lead solder was standard in copper plumbing. A median build year of 1961 places Hickory's housing distribution well within that older risk zone. The bar chart above breaks down how much of the stock falls into each era — and the pre-1986 share alone represents more than half the residential inventory, making plumbing-era risk a defining characteristic of the local water safety picture.
Over half of homes in Hickory 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.
Hickory: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Low proportionality — that's the Hickory picture when remediation costs are placed against typical home equity.
Remediation costs in Hickory are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 51% above the Pennsylvania average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Hickory
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.
Locally, 84% of Hickory homes carry interior plumbing from the era when lead solder was still permitted in new builds, and citywide monitoring approaches or crosses the EPA action benchmark. Households can find a draw-test kit and certified filtration through verified retailers.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Hickory
- 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 84% 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 Hickory, PA