Sagamore, PA: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-04
Water systems serving Sagamore record elevated violation rates against PA benchmarks — residents in affected areas may want to check their local system's current compliance status.
How Sagamore Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
Key Facts for Sagamore Residents
- Homes built before 1986: 83% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
Sagamore's Water Providers
Most residential addresses in Sagamore, PA are served by a single water utility — the dominant system among the 1 provider tracked in federal data.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Sagamore, Pennsylvania (population ~238), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 1,000 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Sagamore — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Sagamore: 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
Sagamore water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Sagamore
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16250 | D | RURAL VALLEY WATER WORKS | 1,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Sagamore
- 16250 [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.
Sagamore Infrastructure Age
With 83% 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
Viewed through the lens of construction era, Sagamore is predominantly an older city — a median build year of 1902 puts most of the residential inventory in the range where pre-1986 plumbing materials were the standard.
Over half of homes in Sagamore 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 Sagamore
For most Sagamore homeowners, estimated remediation represents a moderate equity share — manageable with planning.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Sagamore. The estimated $800–$1,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 62% below the Pennsylvania average.
Sagamore: 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.
Pulling a tap sample fills the gap that utility data cannot close, particularly here where 83% of housing dates from the pre-rule era and citywide monitoring sits at or above the regulatory mark in Sagamore.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Sagamore
- 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 83% 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 Sagamore, PA