East Haven, CT: High Radon Risk — 30/100 (2026)
1 ZIP code · 1 water system · Updated 2026-06-03
The latest EPA cycle for East Haven shows a low safety grade within CT — compliance gaps have persisted over multiple reporting periods, and the city currently holds a low grade in available EPA data.
How East Haven Compares
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-03
East Haven Water: The Quick Version
- Homes built before 1986: 84% — older plumbing may contain lead solder.
- Estimated remediation: $3,000 per household.
Water Systems Serving East Haven
One utility dominates residential water service in East Haven, CT — out of 1 system in federal records.
Overview
We track water quality and home safety data for 1 ZIP code in East Haven, Connecticut (population ~29,347), covering 1 community water system serving approximately 418,900 people region-wide.
No EPA violations recorded across any ZIP codes in East Haven — an excellent indicator of water quality.
Home Safety Score
Average Home Safety Score for East Haven: F (30/100)
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
East Haven water systems draw from: Surface water.
Lead & Copper
- Lead data: not yet available for East Haven
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06512 | F | REGIONAL WATER AUTHORITY | 418,900 |
All ZIP Codes in East Haven
- 06512 [F]
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 East Haven's Housing Stock?
With 84% 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
Decades of residential development in East Haven took place before the two main regulatory milestones that reduced plumbing-era lead risk: the phase-out of lead pipes before 1970, and the federal ban on lead solder in 1986. With a median build year of 1968, the housing stock here is anchored in that earlier period. The distinction between pre-1970 and 1970-to-1986 construction matters: the oldest homes may have lead pipes in the service line and lead solder in the copper joints, while the 1970-to-1986 tier still carries the solder risk even after lead pipes became less common. Together, these two risk layers affect a majority of the residential properties in the city — a fact the aggregate water quality data doesn't directly reveal.
Over half of homes in East Haven 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.
East Haven: Remediation Cost in Perspective
Homeowners in East Haven are working with a moderate equity share for documented remediation — the commitment deserves a line in the household budget, not dismissal.
Remediation costs are moderate relative to home values in East Haven. The estimated $2,000–$4,100 range is manageable for most homeowners but still worth budgeting for. Home values are 35% below the Connecticut average.
Protecting Children from Lead in East Haven
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.
Households with kids in the home — for whom CDC guidance places particular weight on minimizing exposure — face a specific local picture in East Haven. 84% of homes here come from the pre-rule era, and aggregate utility samples either approach or cross 0.015 mg/L. A baseline draw-test kit and certified lead-removal filtration are available via retailer networks for households confirming conditions at a specific tap.
Sources: EPA Lead and Copper Rule, U.S. Census Bureau ACS, CDC childhood lead poisoning prevention guidelines.
Climate-Related Water Risk for East Haven
A claim count of 1831 in the NFIP database — alongside 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones — points to something data alone can only partly convey: a community that has repeatedly dealt with the full consequences of significant flooding. Treatment plants overwhelmed by floodwater, private wells compromised by surface infiltration, and distribution systems stressed by pressure events are all downstream effects of the flood history East Haven's NFIP record documents.
East Haven has a significant flood history with 1,831 FEMA flood insurance claims on record, averaging $19,033 per claim. With 100% of ZIP codes in FEMA-designated flood zones, flood risk is a major concern for homeowners and water quality.
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>$3,000</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 East Haven
- 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 84% 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 East Haven, CT