Sandy Lake, PA: 3 Violations — 71/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In current PA EPA data, Sandy Lake's tap water sits in the high-safety tier.
How Sandy Lake Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Sandy Lake Water: The Quick Version
- Your city's water systems recorded 3 violations in the past 5 years.
- Homes built before 1986: 70% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
Water Systems Serving Sandy Lake
At present, 2 utilities serve the bulk of Sandy Lake, PA's residential water connections out of 2 systems active in the area, spread across independent providers with separate infrastructure and compliance obligations.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Sandy Lake, Pennsylvania, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 2,674 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Sandy Lake: B (71/100)
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
Sandy Lake water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Sandy Lake
- 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.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 4 | 1 |
| Contaminant 1085 | Other | 2 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16145 | B | 3 | 0 | Sandy Lake Boro |
All ZIP Codes in Sandy Lake
- 16145 [B] — 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.
Key Contaminants Detected in Sandy Lake
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Old Is Sandy Lake's Housing Stock?
With 70% 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
Heavily weighted toward older construction, Sandy Lake's housing stock carries a median build year of 1963. That profile puts a majority of homes in the era when lead-soldered copper plumbing was standard practice.
Over half of homes in Sandy Lake 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.
Sandy Lake: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Across Sandy Lake, the equity share taken up by estimated remediation is small — a favorable ratio for most property owners.
Remediation costs in Sandy Lake are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 21% below the Pennsylvania average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Sandy Lake
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.
When older housing represents 70% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Sandy Lake address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Sandy Lake, PA