Bethlehem, CT Water Safety: 83/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 2 water systems · Updated 2026-06-03
In current tracking cycles, Bethlehem records above-average water quality outcomes for CT; compliance history over recent years shows few departures from federal standards and no systemic failures across its water systems.
How Bethlehem Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
What You Should Know About Bethlehem Water
- Average lead level: 0.001 mg/L.
- Homes built before 1986: 78% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $1,600 per household.
Who Supplies Your Water in Bethlehem
Water delivery in Bethlehem, CT is handled by 2 utilities rather than a single system — drawn from 2 providers in federal records, each filing its own compliance reports and setting its own rates.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in Bethlehem, Connecticut, covering 2 community water systems serving approximately 3,398 people.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in Bethlehem — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for Bethlehem: B (83/100)
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
Bethlehem water systems draw from: Groundwater.
Lead & Copper
- Average lead level (90th percentile): 0.0010 mg/L (EPA action level: 0.015 mg/L)
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06751 | B | North Purchase Elderly Housing | 72 |
All ZIP Codes in Bethlehem
- 06751 [B]
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 Bethlehem
With 78% 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 Bethlehem's housing predates 1986, when lead solder was banned from new plumbing, the median build year of 1978 reflects a city where lead-era plumbing materials are common rather than exceptional.
Over half of homes in Bethlehem 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 Bethlehem Homeowners
Equity impact data for Bethlehem lands in the favorable tier — remediation claims a small slice of what properties here are worth.
Remediation costs in Bethlehem are relatively low compared to home values. The $800–$2,600 estimated range is a small fraction of median property value. Home values are 4% below the Connecticut average.
Lead Exposure Risk for Children in Bethlehem
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.
When older housing represents 78% of the local inventory or aggregate readings approach the federal action level, an in-home check becomes the standard way to translate citywide averages into the specific reality of an individual Bethlehem address.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Flood & Climate Risk in Bethlehem
Over the multi-decade window covered by the National Flood Insurance Program, Bethlehem has accumulated 2 claims — a total that suggests more than isolated flood exposure. With 100% of ZIP codes in designated flood zones, the water-quality implications of flooding move from hypothetical to periodically relevant: treatment intake can be compromised, wells can be infiltrated, and distribution backflow can occur.
Bethlehem has a moderate flood history with 2 FEMA claims averaging $4,830 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>$1,600</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.
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Bethlehem, CT