Moshannon, PA: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Public water compliance in Moshannon falls below the PA baseline — elevated violation rates are on record.
How Moshannon Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Moshannon Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 65% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
Water Systems Serving Moshannon
One utility dominates residential water service in Moshannon, PA — out of 1 system in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Moshannon, Pennsylvania (population ~498), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 3,456 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Moshannon — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Moshannon: D (40/100)
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
Moshannon water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Moshannon
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16859 | D | MOUNTAINTOP REG WATER AUTH | 3,456 |
All ZIP Codes in Moshannon
- 16859 [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.
How Old Is Moshannon's Housing Stock?
With 65% 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
Decades of residential development in Moshannon took place before the two main regulatory milestones that reduced plumbing-era lead risk: the phase-out of lead pipes before 1970, and the federal ban on lead solder in 1986. With a median build year of 1970, the housing stock here is anchored in that earlier period. The distinction between pre-1970 and 1970-to-1986 construction matters: the oldest homes may have lead pipes in the service line and lead solder in the copper joints, while the 1970-to-1986 tier still carries the solder risk even after lead pipes became less common. Together, these two risk layers affect a majority of the residential properties in the city — a fact the aggregate water quality data doesn't directly reveal.
Over half of homes in Moshannon 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.
Moshannon: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Remediation costs in Moshannon are small relative to typical property values — the cost-to-value ratio here is favorable.
Remediation costs in Moshannon are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 37% below the Pennsylvania average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Moshannon
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.
Locally, 65% of Moshannon homes carry interior plumbing from the era when lead solder was still permitted in new builds, and citywide monitoring approaches or crosses the EPA action benchmark. Households can find a draw-test kit and certified filtration through verified retailers.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Moshannon
- 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 65% 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 Moshannon, PA