Kempton, PA: High Radon Risk — 45/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Compared to PA averages, Kempton scores below the baseline — health violations appear more frequently than the norm and the city's grade reflects that ongoing shortfall.
How Kempton Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Kempton Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 70% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
Kempton's Water Providers
Federal records track 1 water system in Kempton, PA, and a single provider handles the dominant share of residential connections while carrying primary responsibility for EPA compliance.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Kempton, Pennsylvania, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 3,228 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Kempton — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Kempton: D (45/100)
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
Kempton water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Kempton
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19529 | D | BLUE HERON VILLAGE | 80 |
All ZIP Codes in Kempton
- 19529 [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.
Kempton Infrastructure Age
With 70% 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 Kempton — it's the dominant profile. The median build year of 1977 indicates a housing stock where lead-soldered copper joints are a common structural feature of residences across the city.
Over half of homes in Kempton 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.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Kempton
Because property values in Kempton comfortably exceed estimated remediation costs, the equity impact here is proportionally small.
Remediation costs in Kempton are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,600–$3,300 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 62% above the Pennsylvania average.
Kempton: Lead Risk & Vulnerable Populations
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.
Despite citywide averages serving as the standard public reference point, those aggregates cannot resolve what is happening at one specific faucet — and where 70% of Kempton homes come from before the solder rule or where utility samples sit at or above the action mark, the gap between system data and faucet reality matters more than it does in lower-exposure communities. An in-home draw closes that gap, with certified filtration through retailer networks available where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Kempton: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Across the NFIP's long tracking period, Kempton shows 39 claims and 100% of ZIP codes within FEMA-designated flood zones — figures that place it in moderate flood exposure territory. At this level, the water-quality implications of flooding — contaminated wells, stressed treatment intake, distribution backflow — move from theoretical edge cases to genuine periodic risks, particularly during higher-severity events.
Kempton has a moderate flood history with 39 FEMA claims averaging $4,338 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>$2,400</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 Kempton
- 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 70% 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 Kempton, PA