Worcester, PA: High Radon Risk - Home Safety 50/100
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated
ZipCheckup grade for Worcester: D.
Several federal signals point to home-safety risks in this ZIP.
Although conditions vary by service area, Worcester's water systems collectively show below-average compliance within PA - health-based violations are documented throughout the city, and the overall grade reflects a pattern rather than isolated incidents.
How Worcester Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS
What You Should Know About Worcester Water
- Average lead level: 0.0005 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 32% - older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Worcester
Federal records track 1 water system in Worcester, PA, and a single provider handles the dominant share of residential connections while carrying primary responsibility for EPA compliance.
- D
Overview
We track home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Worcester, Pennsylvania (population ~433), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 91,941 people region-wide. The EPA snapshots used for this build directly map water systems to 1 of 1 ZIP codes.
The available EPA record reports 0 violations for 1 ZIP code with a reported violation count.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Worcester: 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
Worcester water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0005 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.
Areas with No Violations
| ZIP Code | Safety Score | System | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19490 | D | North Penn Water Authority | 91,941 |
All ZIP Codes in Worcester
- 19490 [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
Reporting periods vary by source. Missing data is shown as unavailable, not as zero.
Housing & Infrastructure in Worcester
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
Lead solder was a standard plumbing material before 1986, when federal law prohibited its use in new residential construction. In Worcester, the median build year of 1995 indicates that plumbing age is a material factor in local lead risk - with the pre-1986 share concentrated in specific neighborhoods and building types where older construction remains common.
Most homes in Worcester 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.
Cost Context: What Remediation Means for Worcester Homeowners
At current valuations, Worcester sits in the low remediation-share tier - the equity impact of fixing documented issues is proportionally minor.
Remediation costs in Worcester are relatively low compared to home values. The $2,000–$4,100 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 469% above the Pennsylvania average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Worcester
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.
Despite citywide averages serving as the standard public reference point, those aggregates cannot resolve what is happening at one specific faucet - and where 32% of Worcester homes come from before the solder rule or where utility samples sit at or above the action mark, the gap between system data and faucet reality matters more than it does in lower-exposure communities. An in-home draw closes that gap, with certified filtration through retailer networks available where confirmed faucet results warrant additional measures.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Historical NFIP Claim Context in Worcester
Historical NFIP data for Worcester contains 1 flood insurance claim. Among claims with payment data, the average reported building, contents, and ICC component sum is $272.
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. The <strong>$3,000</strong> remediation estimate shown here excludes flood insurance and is not derived from NFIP claim count.
Claim count does not establish current property risk. Check the exact address in FEMA's current map and obtain a property-specific insurance quote when relevant.
Source: historical FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claim records. No current FEMA property-map designation is asserted.
What You Can Do in Worcester
- 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 32% 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 Worcester, PA