West Hickory, PA: High Radon Risk — 40/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
West Hickory ranks below average for tap water safety in PA — health-based violations are documented across multiple service areas in recent EPA monitoring data.
How West Hickory Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About West Hickory Water
- Homes built before 1986: 82% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,200 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in West Hickory
As of current federal records, West Hickory, PA is served primarily by one water utility among 1 tracked system. That single provider handles infrastructure investment, rate adjustments, and regulatory reporting under EPA oversight.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in West Hickory, Pennsylvania (population ~327), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 610 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in West Hickory — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for West Hickory: D (40/100)
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
West Hickory water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for West Hickory
- 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16370 | D | TIONESTA BOROUGH WATER SUPPLY | 610 |
All ZIP Codes in West Hickory
- 16370 [D]
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.
Housing & Infrastructure in West Hickory
With 82% 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
Because the majority of West Hickory's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1963 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in West Hickory 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for West Hickory Homeowners
Viewed from a financial planning lens, West Hickory sits in the moderate remediation-share tier — the equity impact of addressing documented issues is real, and deliberate preparation separates smooth outcomes from disruptive ones for most homeowners.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in West Hickory. The estimated $800–$1,500 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 53% below the Pennsylvania average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in West Hickory
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.
Even where utility-side monitoring meets Lead and Copper Rule requirements, the 82% pre-rule share in West Hickory keeps interior-plumbing variation as a household-level question that aggregate data cannot resolve.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in West Hickory
- 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. An NSF-certified pitcher or under-sink filter removes most common contaminants.
- Check your home's plumbing. With 82% of homes built before 1986, lead solder is a real possibility.
- 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 West Hickory, PA