Orrstown, PA: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
Orrstown, PA water systems: poor compliance record, lower-tier safety grade.
How Orrstown Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Orrstown Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 66% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
Orrstown's Water Providers
Supply infrastructure in Orrstown, PA runs through a single dominant provider — the main entity among 1 tracked system through which rate decisions, infrastructure work, and federal compliance are managed.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Orrstown, Pennsylvania (population ~2,305), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 17,800 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Orrstown — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Orrstown: 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
Orrstown water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Orrstown
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17244 | D | SHIPPENSBURG BORO WATER AUTH | 17,800 |
All ZIP Codes in Orrstown
- 17244 [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.
Orrstown Infrastructure Age
With 66% 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
The median home in Orrstown was built in 1975 — a figure that places most of the city's residential stock in the era when lead solder was still standard in copper plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead-soldered joints; those built before 1970 face the additional possibility of lead pipes in the service line itself.
Over half of homes in Orrstown 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 Orrstown
At current valuations, Orrstown sits in the low remediation-share tier — the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Orrstown are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$1,500 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 12% below the Pennsylvania average.
Orrstown: 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.
Confirming what arrives at a specific faucet is something utility-side averages cannot do. With 66% of Orrstown stock built before the lead-solder ban and citywide monitoring at or beyond the regulatory mark, a tap-level kit fits the standard diligence picture.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Orrstown
- 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 66% 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 Orrstown, PA