Lehigh Valley, PA: High Radon Risk — 44/100 (2026)
3 ZIP codes · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Although conditions vary by service area, Lehigh Valley's water systems collectively show below-average compliance within PA — health-based violations are documented throughout the city, and the overall grade reflects a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
How Lehigh Valley Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Who Supplies Your Water in Lehigh Valley
Water service in Lehigh Valley, 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 3 ZIP codes in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, covering 1 community water system serving approximately 117,259 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Lehigh Valley — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Lehigh Valley: D (44/100)
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
Lehigh Valley water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Lehigh Valley
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 3 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18001 | D | CITY OF BETHLEHEM | 117,259 |
| 18002 | D | CITY OF BETHLEHEM | 117,259 |
| 18003 | D | CITY OF BETHLEHEM | 117,259 |
All ZIP Codes in Lehigh Valley
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.
Flood & Climate Risk in Lehigh Valley
2 FEMA flood insurance claims are on file for Lehigh Valley, and 33% of local ZIP codes fall within federally designated flood zones — enough to put flood exposure on the planning radar, though short of the concentrated-risk threshold where treatment-system vulnerability becomes a primary consideration.
Lehigh Valley has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims averaging $2,771 per payout. 33% 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 Lehigh Valley
- 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. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 Lehigh Valley, PA