Mountainhome, PA: High Radon Risk — 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Across Mountainhome, 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 Mountainhome Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Mountainhome Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 39% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
Mountainhome's Water Providers
At present, 2 utilities serve the bulk of Mountainhome, PA's residential water connections out of 2 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Mountainhome, Pennsylvania (population ~840), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 2,326 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Mountainhome — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Mountainhome: D (53/100)
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
Mountainhome water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Mountainhome
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18342 | D | BUCK HILL FALLS WATER CO | 876 |
All ZIP Codes in Mountainhome
- 18342 [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.
Mountainhome Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
With a median build year of 1998, Mountainhome's housing stock reflects a city built across multiple eras. A substantial share of homes predate 1986 — the year lead solder in plumbing was federally banned — meaning the risk from plumbing materials is unevenly distributed across the city's neighborhoods and property types.
Most homes in Mountainhome were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Mountainhome
Property equity in Mountainhome sits at a moderate ratio to estimated remediation costs — a classification that reframes the household financial perspective from routine maintenance to deliberate budgeting, where most homeowners have a realistic path to addressing documented water and safety issues if they map the financial commitment against available resources before committing to scope.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Mountainhome. The estimated $1,600–$3,300 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 11% above the Pennsylvania average.
Mountainhome: 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.
After the federal action removing lead-bearing solder from new plumbing took effect, building practice shifted — but 39% of the Mountainhome inventory predates that line. With aggregate samples near or beyond 0.015 mg/L, an in-home check moves out of the optional column into the standard list.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Mountainhome: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Mountainhome falls in moderate-exposure territory — 4 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.
Mountainhome has a moderate flood history with 4 FEMA claims averaging $6,799 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 Mountainhome
- 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 39% 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 Mountainhome, PA