Tobyhanna, PA: 2 Health Violations — 63/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 3 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
Tobyhanna, PA: middle-tier water safety by the latest federal monitoring.
How Tobyhanna Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Key Facts for Tobyhanna Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 20 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 46% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,300 per household.
Tobyhanna's Water Providers
3 independent water providers serve Tobyhanna, PA — 3 systems appear in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Tobyhanna, Pennsylvania, covering 3 community water systems serving approximately 17,997 people.
1 of 1 ZIP code (100%) have recorded EPA violations. 2 health-based violations documented.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Tobyhanna: C (63/100)
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
Tobyhanna water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 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)
The EPA recommends testing homes in Zone 1 and Zone 2 areas for radon.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contaminant 0700 | Other | 10 | 1 |
| Lead and Copper Rule | Treatment Technique | 6 | 1 |
| Contaminant 2959 | Other | 4 | 1 |
| Radium-228 | Radionuclides | 4 | 1 |
| Stage 1 DBP Rule | Treatment Technique | 4 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18466 | C | 20 | 2 | Pawc Pocono District |
All ZIP Codes in Tobyhanna
- 18466 [C] — 20 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 Tobyhanna's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
Tobyhanna Infrastructure Age
With 46% 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
Housing age is a practical proxy for plumbing risk because federal standards changed in 1986, when lead solder was banned from new residential construction, and again earlier — before 1970, lead pipes were themselves commonly installed. Tobyhanna's median build year of 1983 sits in the range where both pre- and post-1986 homes are well represented. The bar chart above reflects that mixed picture: the distribution captures pockets of older housing alongside more recent development, and those pockets carry real lead risk potential at the individual property level.
Most homes in Tobyhanna were built after 1986, reducing the risk of lead contamination from plumbing. Older homes should still be tested.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034.
How Remediation Costs Compare in Tobyhanna
The equity-to-remediation ratio in Tobyhanna is moderate — worth planning for but within reach for most property owners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Tobyhanna. The estimated $2,150–$4,700 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 15% below the Pennsylvania average.
Tobyhanna: 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.
Routinely in Tobyhanna, where 46% of housing predates the solder ban and aggregate utility readings hover near the federal threshold, a faucet-level draw functions as a standard household step for families with small kids.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Tobyhanna: Flood History & Water Damage Risk
Measured across the NFIP's multi-decade tracking period, Tobyhanna shows a moderate flood record — 16 claims and 100% of ZIP codes carrying FEMA flood zone status. For water quality, that combination matters because flood events at this frequency can periodically stress infrastructure: treatment plants, private wells, and distribution systems all face elevated risk during significant flooding.
Tobyhanna has a moderate flood history with 16 FEMA claims averaging $2,915 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>$3,300</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 Tobyhanna
- 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 Contaminant 0700 can reduce the most common contaminant found in Tobyhanna's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 46% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Tobyhanna, PA