Nanticoke, PA: High Radon Risk — 35/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water monitoring data from Nanticoke, PA tells a below-average story — health violations are present and system-level detail is worth reviewing before drawing conclusions.
How Nanticoke Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Nanticoke Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 92% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,400 per household.
Water Systems Serving Nanticoke
Nanticoke, PA is covered by 2 major water utilities out of 2 federally tracked systems, each managing its own pipes, treatment processes, and EPA filings. What a household gets from the tap depends on which provider's system serves that address.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania (population ~13,638), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 58,559 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Nanticoke — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Nanticoke: F (35/100)
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
Nanticoke water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Nanticoke
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18634 | F | Paw Ceasetown | 58,467 |
All ZIP Codes in Nanticoke
- 18634 [F]
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 Nanticoke's Housing Stock?
With 92% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Nanticoke's housing stock carries a median build year of 1945. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Nanticoke 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.
Nanticoke: Remediation Cost in Perspective
In Nanticoke, the remediation-to-property-value ratio is elevated enough that homeowners who identify documented issues early have an advantage — understanding the scope, sequencing by urgency, and phasing the work against household budget capacity are the practical levers that determine whether remediation feels manageable or overwhelming at this equity tier.
At 2.2% of home value, remediation costs in Nanticoke represent a significant financial burden. For homes valued near the median, fixing water and safety issues could cost $1,600–$3,300. Home values here are 49% below the Pennsylvania average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Nanticoke
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 92% of the Nanticoke 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.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Nanticoke
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Nanticoke falls in moderate-exposure territory — 336 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.
Nanticoke has a moderate flood history with 336 FEMA claims averaging $17,458 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 Nanticoke
- 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 92% 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 Nanticoke, PA