University Park, PA: 70 Violations - Home Safety 50/100
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated
ZipCheckup grade for University Park: D.
Several federal signals point to home-safety risks in this ZIP.
For households across University Park, below-average water safety data and recurring compliance violations documented by PA EPA records make it worthwhile to verify the specific system serving your address - system-level detail is the most actionable reference point available.
How University Park Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS
Key Facts for University Park Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 70 violations in the past 5 years.
- Average lead level: 0.0108 mg/L.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
University Park's Water Providers
2 independent water providers serve University Park, PA - 2 systems appear in federal records.
- D
- D
Overview
We track home safety data for 1 ZIP code in University Park, Pennsylvania (population ~13,499), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 109,000 people region-wide. The EPA snapshots used for this build directly map water systems to 1 of 1 ZIP codes.
1 of 1 ZIP code with a reported violation count in the available EPA record (100%) have recorded EPA violations. The available record reports no health-based violations for this measured scope.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for University Park: D (50/100)
Model 4.0.0 uses four measured components across three equally weighted domains. If a required domain is unavailable, no score is published:
| Factor | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Water Quality | EPA violations and compliance history |
| PFAS MCL Screen | UCMR 5 testing against the covered federal MCLs |
| Radon Risk | EPA radon zone classification |
| Annual AQI | EPA AirData county-year median with at least 90 observed days |
Water Sources
University Park water systems draw from: Groundwater, Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0108 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 0 of 1 ZIP code with known status 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFOA | PFAS | 6 | 1 |
| PFNA | PFAS | 6 | 1 |
| Monochloroacetic Acid | Disinfection Byproducts | 6 | 1 |
| Dichloroacetic Acid | Disinfection Byproducts | 6 | 1 |
| Bromodichloromethane | Disinfection Byproducts | 6 | 1 |
Areas with Most Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | Violations | Health-Based | System |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16802 | D | 70 | 0 | Penn State Univ |
All ZIP Codes in University Park
- 16802 [D] - 70 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
Reporting periods vary by source. Missing data is shown as unavailable, not as zero.
What's in University Park's Water?
Based on EPA violation records. Check your ZIP code report for system-specific contaminant data.
University Park Infrastructure Age
Housing age data helps assess potential lead pipe and infrastructure risks. Newer housing stock generally means lower plumbing-related contamination risk.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).
Housing Age Profile
Although a small portion of University Park's homes predate 1986, the median build year of 1995 indicates the majority of the city's residential plumbing was installed after lead solder was banned - which tends to reduce the plumbing-related component of lead exposure at the household level.
Most homes in University Park 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.
University Park: 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 University Park 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.
What You Can Do in University Park
- Test your water at home. City-level data shows averages - your tap may differ. Lead testing is especially recommended given the area's lead levels.
- Install a certified water filter. Filters rated for PFOA can reduce the most common contaminant found in University Park's water.
- Check your home's plumbing. Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in pipes. A licensed plumber can assess your risk.
- 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 University Park, PA