Westmoreland City, PA Water Safety: 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-04
Westmoreland City, PA: water systems collectively below average — violations documented.
How Westmoreland City Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
Westmoreland City Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 98% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $400 per household.
Water Systems Serving Westmoreland City
Throughout Westmoreland City, PA, water comes from one of 2 primary utilities out of 2 total systems — independent providers with different rate structures, infrastructure, and compliance records that vary across the service territory.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Westmoreland City, Pennsylvania (population ~769), covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 143,300 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Westmoreland City — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Westmoreland City: D (53/100)
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
Westmoreland City water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Westmoreland City
- 0 ZIP codes exceed the EPA lead action level
Radon Risk
Dominant radon zone: Zone 2 (Moderate 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15692 | D | Mawc Sweeney Plant | 143,000 |
All ZIP Codes in Westmoreland City
- 15692 [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.
How Old Is Westmoreland City's Housing Stock?
With 98% 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
The character of Westmoreland City's housing stock is one of deep historical layering — a median build year of 1944 signals a city built largely before the plumbing era changes of 1986 and 1970. Lead-soldered copper joints and, in the oldest properties, lead service lines are commonly present in this inventory. That context shapes what individual water testing may reveal, particularly in neighborhoods where the oldest housing is concentrated.
Over half of homes in Westmoreland City 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.
Westmoreland City: Remediation Cost in Perspective
While no remediation project is entirely without cost, the relationship between estimated remediation and property values in Westmoreland City is notably favorable — the equity share is small enough that the household financial perspective is one of proportionality rather than pressure, and most homeowners can treat it as routine planning rather than a significant financial event.
Remediation costs in Westmoreland City are relatively low compared to home values. The $0–$800 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 28% below the Pennsylvania average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Westmoreland City
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.
In recent monitoring under the Lead and Copper Rule, citywide samples for Westmoreland City have approached or crossed the regulatory action level on multiple occasions. Combined with 98% of stock dating from the pre-rule era, the picture supports baseline single-tap reads as a standard household-level step.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
What You Can Do in Westmoreland City
- 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 98% 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 Westmoreland City, PA