University Park, PA: 70 Violations - Home Safety 50/100
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated
ZipCheckup grade for University Park: D.
Federal records show several conditions worth reviewing.
On the A-F scale ZipCheckup uses, University Park, PA rates a D or an F.
How University Park Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS
Key Facts for University Park Residents
- Your city's water systems recorded 70 violations since 2021.
- Average of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 0.0108 mg/L.
University Park's Water Providers
Among 2 systems linked to University Park, PA, the 2 biggest by population served appear below.
- 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 of reported 90th-percentile lead results: 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
1 of 1 ZIP records with known zones is in EPA Radon Zone 1.
The EPA recommends testing all homes regardless of radon zone. County radon zones cannot replace an in-home radon test.
Top Contaminants
| Contaminant | Category | Violations | ZIPs Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene | Organic | 6 | 1 |
| cis-1,2-Dichloroethylene | Organic | 6 | 1 |
| Xylenes, Total | Organic | 6 | 1 |
| Dichloromethane | Organic | 6 | 1 |
| o-Dichlorobenzene | Organic | 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
Utilities keep service line inventories, which can show whether an address in University Park has a lead line regardless of the 1995 median build year.
Most homes in University Park were built after 1986; lead exposure at a tap still depends on its service line and 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 that no safe blood lead level in children has been identified. Children under 6 absorb lead more readily than adults, and even low levels can cause developmental delays, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems.
If you have young children or are pregnant, consider testing your home's water - especially if your home was built before 1986.
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. Consider testing your home's tap water for lead, since household plumbing can affect its level.
- Install a certified water filter. For 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, listed in the water-quality records for University Park: if it is a rule or reporting requirement rather than a contaminant, ask your utility what the record involved; for bacteria, follow any boil-water notice from your utility; for a specific chemical contaminant, check whether a filter is certified to reduce it. Not every contaminant has a consumer filter certification.
- 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. If you use a community water system, request its annual Consumer Confidence Report for system-level test results or find it online.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for University Park, PA