Portland, PA: 3 Violations — 56/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
For most households in Portland, PA tap water is adequate — the middle-tier grade reflects gaps in specific service areas.
How Portland Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Portland Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 3 violations in the past 5 years.
- Homes built before 1986: 87% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,700 per household.
Portland's Water Providers
Because residential water in Portland, PA flows primarily through a single utility, infrastructure decisions, rate-setting, and EPA compliance are all managed within one organizational structure. Federal records show 1 system active in the area, but one provider dominates the service landscape for most homes and apartments.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Portland, Pennsylvania (population ~695), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,100 people region-wide.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Portland: C (56/100)
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
Portland water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Portland
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | Inorganic | 2 | 1 |
| Contaminant 1085 | Other | 2 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18351 | C | 3 | 0 | Portland Boro Authority |
All ZIP Codes in Portland
- 18351 [C] — 3 violations
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.
What's in Portland's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Portland Infrastructure Age
With 87% 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 Portland's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1903 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Portland 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 Portland
The equity-to-remediation ratio in Portland is moderate — worth planning for but within reach for most property owners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Portland. The estimated $2,600–$5,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 21% above the Pennsylvania average.
Portland: 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.
Older stock in Portland represents 87% of the inventory, and citywide monitoring runs at or above the federal action level — making an in-home read a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Portland: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Within the NFIP's national dataset, Portland falls in moderate-exposure territory — 22 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.
Portland has a moderate flood history with 22 FEMA claims averaging $109,146 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>$3,700</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 Portland
- 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. Filters rated for Copper can reduce the most common contaminant found in Portland's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 87% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Portland, PA