Jacobs Creek, PA Water Safety: 55/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Jacobs Creek shows moderate tap water quality for PA — some areas carry documented EPA violations while others meet standards without issues.
How Jacobs Creek Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Jacobs Creek Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 100% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
Water Systems Serving Jacobs Creek
Structurally, Jacobs Creek, PA's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 2 water systems in the area, with 2 providers serving the bulk of residential connections. These utilities operate independently, meaning rate-setting authority and EPA compliance accountability are distributed rather than centralized.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Jacobs Creek, Pennsylvania (population ~154), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 142,100 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Jacobs Creek — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Jacobs Creek: 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
Jacobs Creek water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Jacobs Creek
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15448 | C | Mawc Yough Plant | 133,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Jacobs Creek
- 15448 [C]
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 Jacobs Creek's Housing Stock?
With 100% 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
Lead solder was standard in copper plumbing until federally banned in 1986; lead pipes were common in service lines pre-1970. Jacobs Creek's median build year of 1902 reflects a housing stock where these older materials are a pervasive feature — not a rare legacy — of the residential plumbing landscape.
Over half of homes in Jacobs Creek 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.
Jacobs Creek: Remediation Cost in Perspective
The equity-to-remediation ratio in Jacobs Creek is moderate — worth planning for but within reach for most property owners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Jacobs Creek. The estimated $800–$2,600 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 62% below the Pennsylvania average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Jacobs Creek
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.
When older housing represents 100% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Jacobs Creek address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Jacobs Creek
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Jacobs Creek shows a moderate flood record — 20 claims and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Jacobs Creek has a moderate flood history with 20 FEMA claims averaging $6,976 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>$1,600</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 Jacobs Creek
- 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 100% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Jacobs Creek, PA