Philadelphia, TN: High Radon Risk — 53/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 5 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
For households across Philadelphia, below-average water safety data and recurring compliance violations documented by TN EPA records make it worthwhile to verify the specific system serving your address — system-level detail is the most actionable reference point available.
How Philadelphia Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
Philadelphia Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 45% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $2,900 per household.
- CDC health risk index: 15.54 — above typical levels.
Water Systems Serving Philadelphia
Federal records list 5 water systems tied to Philadelphia, TN. Of those, 3 are the primary providers, meaning service conditions, rate structures, and compliance histories can differ depending on where a property sits.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Philadelphia, Tennessee (population ~4,177), covering 5 community water systems serving approximately 63,983 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Philadelphia — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Philadelphia: 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
Philadelphia water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for Philadelphia
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37846 | D | SWEETWATER UTILITY BOARD | 13,597 |
All ZIP Codes in Philadelphia
- 37846 [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.
CDC Health Data for Philadelphia
Source: CDC PLACES (County-level estimates). Water contamination can correlate with respiratory and chronic health conditions.
Compared to National Average
Vertical line = national average. ■ Above national · ■ Below national
How Old Is Philadelphia's Housing Stock?
With 45% 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
Lead solder was a standard plumbing material before 1986, when federal law prohibited its use in new residential construction. In Philadelphia, the median build year of 1999 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 Philadelphia 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.
Philadelphia: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Property value and cost data for Philadelphia produce a moderate remediation-share classification — a level where advance financial planning has real practical value and the commitment is realistic for most homeowners who approach it deliberately.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in Philadelphia. The estimated $1,900–$4,100 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 11% below the Tennessee average.
Protecting Children from Lead in Philadelphia
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 Philadelphia have approached or crossed the regulatory action level on multiple occasions. Combined with 45% 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.
Climate-Related Water Risk for Philadelphia
How does Philadelphia's flood record connect to local water quality? The NFIP documents 2 claims — enough to signal recurring events — and 100% of ZIP codes carry FEMA flood zone status. That combination places flooding in the category of factors that can periodically affect water infrastructure, even if the area isn't among the highest-exposure communities in the NFIP dataset.
Philadelphia has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims averaging $2,066 per payout. 100% of ZIP codes fall within FEMA flood zones. Flood events can contaminate drinking water and overwhelm treatment systems.
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. Flood damage can add significantly to the estimated <strong>$2,900</strong> remediation cost per household.
Residents in flood-prone areas should consider flood insurance even outside FEMA zones — over 25% of flood claims come from low-to-moderate risk areas. After any flood event, test your water before drinking.
Source: FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) claims data, FEMA flood zone designations.
What You Can Do in Philadelphia
- 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 45% 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 Philadelphia, TN