Wilkes Barre, PA: PFAS Above 2029 MCL Level
EPA data for Paw Ceasetown
EPA records for the water systems mapped to 18706 in Wilkes Barre, PA contain zero recorded violations for inclusive record years 2021 through 2026. This does not establish that every category was monitored or published, and it does not cover events outside that source window.
Data source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) SDWIS
At a Glance
- Water No drinking-water violations in EPA records since 2021.
- Lead The reported 90th-percentile lead result is below the laboratory reporting limit, not a measured zero; EPA's health goal for lead is zero.
- PFAS At least one PFAS result is above an EPA MCL value (UCMR5 sampling; MCL compliance required from 2029).
- Radon EPA Zone 1 - highest county-level potential. This is not a home measurement; test before any threshold comparison.
- Flood 138 cumulative NFIP claim records. This historical count is not a current property-risk verdict.
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One critical finding sits on record for Wilkes Barre (18706), unaccompanied by high-priority items.
Score Breakdown
Overall Home Safety Score: Score unavailable
Required evidence is missing. Missing values remain unknown and are not imputed or renormalized.
Canonical components
Required domains
Coverage: 3 of 4 components and 2 of 3 domains observed.
Model 4.0.0; series home-safety-v4-cross-vertical.
Safety & Health (8) HIGH
Your Water System
ZIP code 18706 in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania is mapped to the water system Paw Ceasetown (EPA ID: PA2409002). This system provides water to approximately 58,467 people from surface water sources.
Other Water Quality Reports in Pennsylvania
- 15001 (Aliquippa) - 43 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 15003 (Ambridge) - 16 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 15004 (Atlasburg)
- 15005 (Baden) - 18 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 15006 (Bairdford)
- 15007 (Bakerstown) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 15009 (Beaver) - 62 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 15010 (Beaver Falls) - 27 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 15012 (Belle Vernon) - 75 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 15014 (Brackenridge) - 1 violation recorded for mapped water systems
- 15015 (Bradfordwoods) - 2 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 15017 (Bridgeville)
- 15018 (Buena Vista)
- 15019 (Bulger)
- 15020 (Bunola) - 8 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 15021 (Burgettstown)
- 15022 (Charleroi) - 4 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 15024 (Cheswick) - 8 violations recorded for mapped water systems
- 15025 (Clairton)
- 15026 (Clinton) - 18 violations recorded for mapped water systems
Nearby Water Quality Reports
- 18703 (Wilkes Barre) - 3 mi
- 18766 (Wilkes Barre) - 3 mi
- 18701 (Wilkes Barre) - 3 mi
- 18651 (Plymouth) - 3 mi
- 18634 (Nanticoke) - 5 mi
- 18704 (Kingston) - 5 mi
- 18710 (Wilkes Barre) - 5 mi
- 18711 (Wilkes Barre) - 5 mi
- 18762 (Wilkes Barre) - 5 mi
- 18764 (Wilkes Barre) - 5 mi
Data Sources
This report uses public data from the EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS). View available EPA compliance records for Paw Ceasetown (PA2409002) on EPA.gov.
4 of the top compounds applied across the surrounding county in USGS pesticide-use estimates appear on EPA drinking-water monitoring lists. See the agricultural pesticide-use section.
PFAS Contamination Detected
PFAS ("forever chemicals") have been reported in samples from water systems associated with ZIP code 18706. One or more compound results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029.
Detected compounds: PFOS, PFOA, PFPeA, PFBS.
Highest measured level: 0.0104 µg/L
Reverse osmosis (RO) and activated carbon block filters can reduce PFAS at the tap. Certifications list the compounds covered: an NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 claim for PFOA/PFOS does not cover every PFAS, so check that the product lists the compounds detected here.
Environmental Hazards (11) HIGH
Home & Infrastructure (8) HIGH
Possible home maintenance concerns - talk to a local expert.
Call (855) 384-4856Paid Partner This is a free service. You will be connected with an independent service provider. We may receive compensation.
Cost & Community (9) HIGH
CPSC product recall notices
These national notices are not matched to this ZIP code or water system.
Protect Your Home in Wilkes Barre
Based on local data for ZIP 18706, these services may benefit homeowners in your area.
Based on local data for your area. Use the tools below to explore your options.
Home & Flood Insurance
The ZIP code for this report in Wilkes Barre has 138 FEMA flood claims on record. Standard homeowner policies don't cover flood damage - make sure you're protected.
Typical cost: Flood insurance: premiums vary by property and flood zone; request a quote
Check Your Flood Zone (Free)FEMA flood map lookup - see if your property is in a flood zone
Free tip: Check your FEMA flood zone at msc.fema.gov (free lookup)
Gutter Installation & Repair
The median home in 18706 was built around 1951. Aging gutters can cause foundation damage, basement flooding, and mold - a professional assessment can prevent costly repairs.
Typical cost: Gutter installation: typically $1,000–$2,500 for a standard home
Estimate Your Home Maintenance CostsWindow Replacement
The median build year of homes in Wilkes Barre is 1951; check the age and condition of your own windows. ENERGY STAR windows can save $101–$583/year on energy bills.
Typical cost: Window replacement: typically $300–$800 per window installed
Estimate Your Home Maintenance CostsRoofing Inspection & Repair
Homes built around 1951 may be on their second or third roof. A professional inspection can catch damage before leaks start.
Typical cost: Roof inspection: typically $75–$300; repairs $300–$1,500
Estimate Your Home Insurance NeedsService recommendations are based on public data for this ZIP code (FEMA, Census ACS, NWS). Actual needs vary by property. By calling, your information will be shared with an independent service provider. ZipCheckup may receive compensation. Cost estimates are approximate and vary by property, condition, and contractor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the tap water in 18706 safe to drink?
EPA SDWIS records 0 violations since 2021 across the water systems mapped to ZIP 18706 (primary system: Paw Ceasetown), including 0 health-based. The violation table above shows which system each record belongs to. ZipCheckup last updated this page in July 2026. The federal source release date is unavailable, so that month is not presented as source currency.
Where does 18706's water come from?
The recorded water source for Paw Ceasetown, a system mapped to ZIP code 18706, is Surface water. This system serves approximately 58,467 people.
How can I get my water tested in Wilkes Barre?
If Paw Ceasetown supplies your home, contact it for its Consumer Confidence Report; otherwise contact the water utility that serves your address, or hire a certified lab for independent home water testing. The EPA recommends annual testing if you use a private well.
What is the radon risk for 18706?
18706 is mapped to a county in EPA Radon Zone 1 (high county-level radon potential; EPA recommends testing every home), located in Luzerne County. EPA radon zones range from Zone 1 (highest county-level potential) to Zone 3 (lowest). Testing your home is recommended regardless of zone.
Are there PFAS (forever chemicals) in 18706's water?
Yes, PFAS have been detected in samples from water systems mapped to 18706. One or more PFAS results are above the level of a federal PFAS MCL with compliance required from 2029. Reverse osmosis and activated carbon filters certified to NSF/ANSI 53 or 58 specifically for PFOA/PFOS reduction can reduce PFAS.
What does the NFIP claim history show for ZIP 18706?
FEMA records contain 138 flood insurance claims filed in ZIP code 18706; the recorded rated-zone value (the most frequent one if there are several claims) is X, which is claims evidence and may differ from the current FEMA map zone for a property. This is a substantial claim history, but claim count is not a count of distinct events or properties. Review FEMA's map for the specific property.
How to cite this page
ZipCheckup. (2026). Wilkes Barre, PA: PFAS Above 2029 MCL Level. https://zipcheckup.com/report/18706/
@misc{zipcheckup-report-18706,
author = {{ZipCheckup}},
title = {{Wilkes Barre, PA: PFAS Above 2029 MCL Level}},
year = {2026},
url = {https://zipcheckup.com/report/18706/}
}
Page version: October 2026.
Nearby ZIP Code Reports
Water quality comparison for ZIP codes near 18706
| ZIP Code | City, State | Distance | Grade | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18703 | Wilkes Barre, PA | 2.9 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 18766 | Wilkes Barre, PA | 3.0 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 18701 | Wilkes Barre, PA | 3.0 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 18651 | Plymouth, PA | 3.4 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 18634 | Nanticoke, PA | 4.9 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 18704 | Kingston, PA | 4.9 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 18710 | Wilkes Barre, PA | 5.0 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 18711 | Wilkes Barre, PA | 5.0 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 18762 | Wilkes Barre, PA | 5.0 mi | N/A | 0 |
| 18764 | Wilkes Barre, PA | 5.0 mi | N/A | 0 |
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