New Derry, PA: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In recent EPA cycles, New Derry shows a persistent below-average water quality pattern within PA — documented violations span multiple service areas and have appeared consistently across reporting periods.
How New Derry Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for New Derry Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 81% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,700 per household.
New Derry's Water Providers
2 independent water providers serve New Derry, PA — 2 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in New Derry, Pennsylvania (population ~607), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 22,500 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in New Derry — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for New Derry: 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
New Derry water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for New Derry
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15671 | D | DERRY BORO MUNI AUTH | 6,500 |
All ZIP Codes in New Derry
- 15671 [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.
New Derry Infrastructure Age
With 81% 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 New Derry's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1953 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in New Derry 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.
New Derry: 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.
Routinely in New Derry, where 81% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in New Derry
- 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 81% 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 New Derry, PA