Moscow, PA: Lead Above EPA Limits — 32/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 9 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across Moscow, EPA compliance records fall well below PA averages — documented health-based violations affect multiple service areas, and the city's sustained low grade reflects a persistent pattern across reporting cycles.
How Moscow Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Moscow Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 40 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.1285 mg/L — exceeds the EPA action level of 0.015 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 63% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $6,780 per household.
Moscow's Water Providers
Structurally, Moscow, PA's water supply is divided. Federal data identifies 9 water systems in the area, with 3 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 Moscow, Pennsylvania (population ~13,681), covering 9 community water systems serving approximately 140,577 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 8 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Moscow: F (32/100)
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
Moscow water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.1285 mg/L (exceeds EPA action level) (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 1 ZIP code 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 16 | 1 |
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 16 | 1 |
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 16 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 14 | 1 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 6 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18444 | F | 40 | 8 | PA AMER WATER CO LAKE SCRANTON |
All ZIP Codes in Moscow
- 18444 [F] — 40 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.
What's in Moscow's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Moscow Infrastructure Age
With 63% 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
Because the majority of Moscow's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1972 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Moscow 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 Moscow
Throughout Moscow, fixing documented water and safety issues carries an equity weight that moves remediation out of routine planning territory and into structured financial decision-making.
At 2.7% of home value, remediation costs in Moscow represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $4,420–$9,840. Home values here are 17% above the Pennsylvania average.
Moscow: 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.
Jointly, the 63% older-stock share in Moscow alongside aggregate readings past the regulatory action threshold raises lead to a near-term homeowner attention point — sharper for families with young children.
<strong>1 ZIP code</strong> (100% of the city) exceeds the EPA lead action level of 0.015 mg/L.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Moscow: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Moscow falls in moderate-exposure territory — 23 documented incidents spanning multiple decades, with 100% of local ZIP codes sitting inside FEMA flood boundaries. That combination warrants inclusion in any thorough local water quality review.
Moscow has a moderate flood history with 23 FEMA claims averaging $4,383 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>$6,780</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 Moscow
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages — your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for Surface Water Treatment Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in Moscow's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 63% 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 Moscow, PA