Norvelt, PA Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Water monitoring data from Norvelt, PA tells a below-average story — health violations are present and system-level detail is worth reviewing before drawing conclusions.
How Norvelt Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Norvelt Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 94% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
Norvelt's Water Providers
Federal records list 2 water systems tied to Norvelt, PA. Of those, 2 are the primary providers, meaning service conditions, rate structures, and compliance histories can differ depending on where a property sits.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Norvelt, Pennsylvania (population ~223), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 133,080 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Norvelt — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Norvelt: 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
Norvelt water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Norvelt
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15674 | D | Mawc Yough Plant | 133,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Norvelt
- 15674 [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.
Norvelt Infrastructure Age
With 94% 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
Housing age is one of the most reliable proxies for plumbing-era lead risk, because two federal milestones — the widespread use of lead pipes before 1970 and the continued use of lead solder until 1986 — define the highest-risk tiers of the residential housing stock. With a median build year of 1969, Norvelt falls squarely within the older range — meaning a large fraction of the housing was built under the plumbing standards of those earlier eras. The distribution above captures where that risk concentrates, and why older neighborhoods warrant particular attention from residents concerned about tap water quality.
Over half of homes in Norvelt 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 Norvelt
In Norvelt, property wealth outpaces what documented remediation typically demands — the equity burden lands well within the low tier.
Remediation costs in Norvelt are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 14% below the Pennsylvania average.
Norvelt: 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.
94% — that captures the slice of Norvelt housing dating from before the federal ban on solder containing lead. It pairs with aggregate utility readings that either approach or cross 0.015 mg/L, the benchmark set under the EPA Lead and Copper Rule. Together, the two figures shift one-home reads into a standard household-level confirmation, particularly for families with kids. A certified lead-removal filter is available through retailer-verified channels if a kit returns results that warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Norvelt
- 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 94% 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 Norvelt, PA