State College, PA: 68 Violations — 58/100 (2026)
4 ZIP codes · 7 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Although much of State College meets baseline drinking water standards, some PA-tracked service areas show violations that merit a closer look — particularly for older housing stock.
How State College Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for State College Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 68 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0037 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $2,225 per household.
State College's Water Providers
At present, 3 utilities serve the bulk of State College, PA's residential water connections out of 7 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 4 ZIP codes in State College, Pennsylvania (population ~65,813), covering 7 community water systems serving approximately 125,720 people region-wide.
4 of 4 ZIP codes (100%) have recorded EPA violations. All violations are monitoring/reporting type.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for State College: C (58/100)
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
State College water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0037 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 1 (High Risk)
- Zone 1 (High): 4 ZIP codes
- Zone 2 (Moderate): 0 ZIP codes
- Zone 3 (Low): 0 ZIP codes
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Confidence Report Rule | Reporting | 20 | 4 |
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 20 | 4 |
| Surface Water Treatment Rule | Treatment Technique | 10 | 4 |
| Revised Total Coliform Rule | Microbiological | 10 | 4 |
| Selenium | Inorganic | 5 | 4 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16801 | C | 17 | 0 | State College Boro Water Authority |
| 16803 | C | 17 | 0 | State College Boro Water Authority |
| 16804 | C | 17 | 0 | State College Boro Water Authority |
| 16805 | C | 17 | 0 | State College Boro Water Authority |
All ZIP Codes in State College
- 16801 [C] — 17 violations
- 16803 [C] — 17 violations
- 16804 [C] — 17 violations
- 16805 [C] — 17 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 State College's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
How Remediation Costs Compare in State College
The household financial picture for State College homeowners is proportionally favorable — addressing documented issues claims a small slice of equity, and the cost-to-value ratio puts this area well within the manageable tier.
Remediation costs in State College are relatively low compared to home values. The $1,475–$3,050 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 88% above the Pennsylvania average.
State College: 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.
Lead risk in State College appears low overall, but individual homes may differ. Testing is the only way to confirm your water's lead content.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
State College: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Flood risk in State College occupies the middle ground: 48 NFIP claims and 75% of local ZIP codes within FEMA flood zones. At that level, the risk pathways connecting flooding to water quality — treatment system stress, well infiltration, distribution backflow — become relevant considerations during significant flood events, even if day-to-day water quality is unaffected by flood history.
State College has a moderate flood history with 48 FEMA claims averaging $8,314 per payout. 75% 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>$2,225</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 State College
- 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 Consumer Confidence Report Rule can reduce the most common contaminant found in State College's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for State College, PA