Jefferson, PA: 7 Violations — 78/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Drinking water tracked for Jefferson by PA authorities posts above-average scores — the majority of systems are free from health-based exceedances and the city's grade sits above the state median.
How Jefferson Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Jefferson Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 7 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0009 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 57% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,900 per household.
Water Systems Serving Jefferson
Water service in Jefferson, PA is organized around a single utility — one of 1 tracked by regulator, and the one that manages the local distribution network while holding primary responsibility for EPA compliance reporting.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Jefferson, Pennsylvania (population ~1,614), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 40,000 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Jefferson: B (78/100)
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
Jefferson water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0009 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haloacetic Acids (HAA5) | Disinfection Byproducts | 6 | 1 |
| Uranium | Radionuclides | 2 | 1 |
| Gross Alpha | Radionuclides | 2 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15344 | B | 7 | 0 | Southwestern Pa Water Authority |
All ZIP Codes in Jefferson
- 15344 [B] — 7 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 Jefferson
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Jefferson's Housing Stock?
With 57% 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 Jefferson — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1974 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Jefferson 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.
Jefferson: Remediation Cost in Perspective
How does remediation fit within the broader financial picture for Jefferson homeowners? The equity share is moderate — large enough that treating it as a real planning consideration makes sense, and manageable enough that most homeowners have a clear path to addressing documented water and safety issues when they approach the commitment with deliberate advance budgeting rather than as an unplanned expense.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Jefferson. The estimated $1,800–$4,800 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 31% below the Pennsylvania average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Jefferson
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.
In recent monitoring under the Lead and Copper Rule, citywide samples for Jefferson have approached or crossed the regulatory action level on multiple occasions. Combined with 57% of stock dating from the pre-rule era, the picture supports baseline single-tap reads as a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Jefferson
How does Jefferson's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 3 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.
Jefferson has a moderate flood history with 3 FEMA claims averaging $52,952 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>$2,900</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Jefferson, PA